Method And Apparatus For Compressing gas In a Plurality of Stages To a Storage Tank Array Having A Plurality of Storage Tanks

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying compressed gaseous fuel to a consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial numberPCT/US2013/039308, having international filing date of May 2, 2013,which application was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/462,177, filed May 2, 2012, which application was anon-provisional of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/518,111, filed May 2, 2011. Each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference and priority to/of each is herebyclaimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Over the years, concerns have developed over the availability ofconventional fuels (such as gasoline or diesel fuel) for internalcombustion engine vehicles, the operating costs and fuel efficiencies ofsuch vehicles, and the potentially adverse effects of vehicle emissionson the environment. Because of such concern, much emphasis has beenplaced on the development of alternatives to such conventional vehiclefuels. One area of such emphasis has been the development of vehiclesfueled by natural gas or other methane-type gaseous fuels, either as thesole fuel or as one fuel in a dual-fuel system. As a result, vehiclesusing such fuels have been produced and are currently in use on arelatively limited basis both domestically and abroad.

Compressed natural gas is an abundant resource in the United States ofAmerica. It has been estimated that the known resources of natural gasare sufficient to supply the needs of the United States for at least 200years.

Additionally emphasis has been placed on compressed hydrogen as analternative fuel option and has long been used in Europe for masstransportation vehicles, but has not been adopted as a readily usablefuel source primarily due to the current inability of safely compressingand storing it for general access and use.

In order to provide such gaseous fueled vehicles with a reasonable rangeof travel between re-fuelings, it is necessary to store the on-boardgaseous fuel at very high pressures, generally in the range ofapproximately 2000 psig (13.9 MPa) to 3000 psig (20.7 MPa) or higher.Without such high-pressure on-board storage, the practical storagecapacity of such vehicles was limited because of space and weightfactors to the energy equivalent of approximately one to five gallons(3.7 to 19 liters) of conventional gasoline. Thus, by compressing thegaseous fuel to such high pressures, the on-board storage capacities ofsuch vehicles were increased.

One disadvantage of the compressed gaseous fuel systems discussed aboveis that they require complex and comparatively expensive refuelingapparatus in order to compress the fuel to such high pressures. Suchrefueling apparatuses have therefore been found to effectively precluderefueling the vehicle from a user's residential natural gas supplysystem, and therefore has been commercially impractical.

Another alternative to the above-discussed fuel storage and vehiclerange problems, has been to store the on-board fuel in a liquid stateabove atmospheric pressure in order to allow sufficient quantities offuel to be carried on board the vehicles to provide reasonable travelranges between refuelings. Such liquefied gas storage has also, however,been found to be disadvantageous because it requires inordinatelycomplex and comparatively expensive cryogenic equipment, both on boardthe vehicle and in the refueling station, in order to establish andmaintain the necessary low gas temperatures.

In the field of gas distribution and storage, there is a need to gatherfuel (natural gas, methane, or hydrogen) from the existing pipelinedistribution system. In the United States for a residential environment,natural gas suppliers typically deliver this gas at less than one psig.In order to carry enough gaseous fuel for a respectable driving range,the fuel must be compressed to at least 3,000 psig or 3,600 psig.

Many processes require the creation of extreme pressure changes. Manywell known prior art inventions use multi-stage compressors or hydraulicrams to effect large pressure or volume changes on known gases. Due tothermal and mechanical limitations of the standard piston/crankshaftdesigns, rotary and scroll designed compressors, multi-stage compressorsare often used when compressing gasses from atmosphere to pressuresgreater than 500 psig. In one embodiment, by using a speciallyconstructed sequencing valve and/or multi-stage compressor simulatorprocess, a more inexpensive and reliable single stage compressor can beused, resulting in increased reliability and significantly lower powerconsumption.

While the above mentioned compression methodologies are known to bereliable and well understood means of compressing a gas, numerous otherarrangements have been created to overcome its limitations.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner.

In one embodiment is provided a method and system for compressing gas,the system including a compressor and an array of tanks havingpredetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in thearray. One embodiment provides a selecting valve operatively connectingthe compressor to the tank array, the selecting valve having first andsecond families of ports, with the first family of ports operativelyconnected to the tank array and the second family of ports operativelyconnected to the compressor, wherein the valve can be operated to selecta plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected witha plurality of ports with the second family, and such selected pluralityof ports from the first and second families to be fluidly connected toeach other can be changed by operation of the valve.

One embodiment relates generally to a method and apparatus for refuelingtransportation vehicles or other devices fueled by natural gas or othergas.

In one embodiment is provided a method and apparatus for compressing,storing, and delivering a gaseous fuel, and/or supplying fuel to agaseous fuel consuming device. In different embodiments the method andapparatus can be used to compress nitrogen, air, or cryogenicrefrigerants.

In one embodiment is provided an apparatus having an array of at leasttwo, three, and/or four staged tanks which are filled with compressedgas to specified pressures.

In one embodiment during offloading to a vehicle to be fueled, the gaspressures in each of the tanks can be measured, a control systemsequentially selects a first tank and withdraws gas from it to thevehicle to be filled until the rate of gas flow is less than optimum,and the control system selects tank and withdraws gas from the nextsequential of the tanks.

In one embodiment, during the time the vehicle is being fueled, one ormore of the tanks are being replenished with compressed gas.

In one embodiment, during the time the method and apparatus isreplenishing the diminished quantity of gas, two or more tanks are beingreplenished with compressed gas.

In one embodiment, during the time the method and apparatus isreplenishing the diminished quantity of gas, two or more tanks are beingreplenished with compressed gas from two or more compressive methods.

In one embodiment, the method and apparatus can regulate the movement ofgas from one storage medium to another, with or without compression.

One embodiment provides a refueling method and apparatus that may bemanufactured significantly less expensively than those of the prior artin a compact, modular form, and that is adapted to be connected to auser's residential natural gas or other gaseous fuel supply system.

Array of Increasingly Staged Pressurized Tanks

In one embodiment is provided a plurality of tanks having stagedpressure set points, where staged pressure points are increasing.

In one embodiment there are at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 tanks. In various embodiments there is arange of staged pressure tanks between any two of the above referencednumber of staged tanks.

In various embodiments it is contemplated that one or more of the Tankscan include two or more smaller tanks coupled together at the samepressure to make a larger volume tank.

In one embodiment, the stages array has a series of Tanks,

-   -   T1 at P1;    -   T2 at P2 where P2 is greater than P1;    -   T3 at P3 where P3 is greater than P2;    -   T4 at P4 where P4 is greater than P3;    -   T5 at P5 where P5 is greater than P4;    -   T6 at P6 where P6 is greater than P5;    -   T7 at P7 where P7 is greater than P6; and    -   T8 at P8 where P8 is greater than P7.        In this embodiment, one-way check valves between adjacent Tanks        in the Tank array will prevent backwards bleeding of pressure        from higher numbered Tanks in the Tank array to lower numbered        Tanks in the Tank array. In different embodiments tanks T8 and        T7 can be omitted, and/or T1, T6, T7, and/or T8 can be comprised        of one or more tanks coupled together.        Using the Same Compressor to Recompress Gas from a First Stage        Tank in Tank Array, to a Second Stages Tank in Tank Array, and        to a Third Staged Tank in Tank Array, and to Additional Stage        Tanks in Tank Array

In one embodiment, the staged tanks can be filled with compressed gas byusing the same compressor to take gas from one of the tanks, compress itmore, and discharge the gas to one of the other tanks.

In one embodiment, is provided a hermetically sealed compressor allowingdifferential compression between tanks in the tank array wherecompressed gas from a first tank in the array is compressed by thecompressor and discharged to a second tank in the tank array at a higherpressure than the maximum absolute discharge pressure of the compressorbecause the hermetically sealed body allows the compressing piston to bepre-charged by the input pressure of the incoming gas from the firsttank of the tank array. In one embodiment suction of the compressor goesfirst into the internal chamber of the compressor before being takinginto the compression chamber for compression. In another embodimentsuction of the compressor goes first into the compression chamber, andcompressed gas from the compression chamber exits first into theinternal chamber of the compressor before leaving the compressor.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with a compressor, and discharge the        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity compressed gas to a third Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from the fifth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the fifth        quantity of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from the fifth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the fifth        quantity of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array; and    -   (f) take a sixth quantity of gas from the sixth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the sixth        quantity of compressed gas to a seventh Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from the fifth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the fifth        quantity of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from the fifth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the fifth        quantity of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array;    -   (f) take a sixth quantity of gas from the sixth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the sixth        quantity of compressed gas to a seventh Tank in the array; and    -   (g) take a seventh quantity of gas from the sixth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        seventh quantity of compressed gas to an eighth Tank in the        array.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it and discharge the first quantity of        compressed gas to a second Tank in the array;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from the second Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        second quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from the third Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the third        quantity of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        fourth quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from the fifth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the fifth        quantity of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array;    -   (f) take a sixth quantity of gas from the sixth Tank in the Tank        Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the sixth        quantity of compressed gas to a seventh Tank in the array; and    -   (g) take a seventh quantity of gas from the seventh Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        seventh quantity of compressed gas to an eighth Tank in the        array; and    -   (h) take an eighth quantity of gas from the eighth Tank in the        Tank Array, compress it with the compressor, and discharge the        eighth quantity of compressed gas to a ninth Tank in the array.

Check Valves Fluidly Connecting Directly in a One Way Direction AdjacentTanks, and Indirectly Non-Adjacent Tanks of Higher Numbers in the Array

In one or more embodiments the pressure staged tanks are fluidly coupledtogether (from lower pressure to higher pressure) through a series ofcheck valves between sets of two Tanks—where the gas can flow from thelowered numbered tank in the array to the next higher number Tank in thearray.

In one embodiment a compressor is coupled to the Tank array where thecompressor can:

-   -   (a) take a first quantity of gas from a first Tank in the Tank        Array where the first Tank is at a first Tank first pressure,        compress it with a compressor and discharge the first quantity        of compressed gas to a second Tank in the array along with any        tanks such second Tank is fluidly connected with in a one way        direction, and continuing this step until the first tank        pressure drops to a first Tank second pressure where the        difference between the first Tank first pressure and the first        Tank second pressure is less than a predefined first Tank        pressure drop;    -   (b) take a second quantity of gas from a second Tank in the Tank        Array where the second Tank is at a second Tank first pressure,        compress it with the compressor and discharge the second        quantity of compressed gas to a third Tank in the array along        with any tanks such third Tank is fluidly connected with in a        one way direction, and continuing this step until the second        tank pressure drops to a second Tank second pressure where the        difference between the second Tank first pressure and the second        Tank second pressure is less than a predefined second Tank        pressure drop;    -   (c) take a third quantity of gas from a third Tank in the Tank        Array where the third Tank is at a third Tank first pressure,        compress it with the compressor and discharge the third quantity        of compressed gas to a fourth Tank in the array along with any        tanks such fourth Tank is fluidly connected with in a one way        direction, and continuing this step until the third tank        pressure drops to a third Tank second pressure where the        difference between the third Tank first pressure and the third        Tank second pressure is less than a predefined third Tank        pressure drop;    -   (d) take a fourth quantity of gas from a fourth Tank in the Tank        Array where the fourth Tank is at a fourth Tank first pressure,        compress it with the compressor and discharge the fourth        quantity of compressed gas to a fifth Tank in the array along        with any tanks such fifth Tank is fluidly connected with in a        one way direction, and continuing this step until the fourth        tank pressure drops to a fourth Tank second pressure where the        difference between the fourth Tank first pressure and the fourth        Tank second pressure is less than a predefined fourth Tank        pressure drop;    -   (e) take a fifth quantity of gas from a fifth Tank in the Tank        Array where the fifth Tank is at a fifth Tank first pressure,        compress it with the compressor and discharge the fifth quantity        of compressed gas to a sixth Tank in the array along with any        tanks such sixth Tank is fluidly connected with in a one way        direction, and continuing this step until the fifth tank        pressure drops to a fifth Tank second pressure where the        difference between the fifth Tank first pressure and the fifth        Tank second pressure is less than a predefined fifth Tank        pressure drop;    -   (f) take a sixth quantity of gas from a sixth Tank in the Tank        Array where the sixth Tank is at a sixth Tank first pressure,        compress it with the compressor and discharge the sixth quantity        of compressed gas to a seventh Tank in the array, and continuing        this step until the sixth tank pressure drops to a sixth Tank        second pressure where the difference between the sixth Tank        first pressure and the sixth Tank second pressure is less than a        predefined sixth Tank pressure drop; and    -   (g) dispense gas from at least two tanks from the array of tanks        to a vehicle storage tank.

In various embodiments the staged tanks in the staged tank array arefluidly connected with one way valves which allow pressure to flow inthe direction from tanks having lower predefined staged pressure pointsto higher predefined staged pressure points. In various embodiments inmaking the one way connections a series of check valves can be used.

Offloading to Vehicle Tank

In one embodiment during operation, a line 102 is coupled to the fueltank of the vehicle/destination to be refueled/loaded. A controllerbegins the refueling process by first using tank 1, the lowest pressuretank, in the tank array. Once flow from tank 1 begins to fill vehicle,the pressure in tank 1 will decrease. At a certain point the pressure intank 1 will substantially equalize to the pressure in the vehicle'stank, and flow from tank 1 to the vehicle will stop. When flow from tank1 ceases (e.g., as determined by the system of a non-changing pressurein the tank after a predetermined period of time), indicating that thevehicle's fuel tank is refilled to the equalized pressure in tank 1,controller connects the next highest pressure tank 2 in the array to thevehicle's fuel tank. When flow ceases from tank 2 to the vehicle (e.g.,as determined by the system of a non-changing pressure in the tank aftera predetermined period of time), the controller connects to the nexthighest pressure tank (tank 3) to fill the vehicle's fuel tank. Thisprocess is repeated as the pressure in the vehicle fuel tank increasesuntil finally the highest pressure tank delivers gaseous natural gas atto a predefined pressure such as 3,600 psi.

In one embodiment is provided a user interface which obtains input onthe vehicle to be offloaded such as pressure and volume. In anotherembodiment is provided a method and apparatus which obtains the userinput and, based on such input, along with the staged pressures in thetank array, volumes of individual tanks in the tank array, and volume oftank to be filled for the user's vehicle or destination tank, starts theoffloading process from an interstitially staged tank (e.g, tank 2, 3,4, 5, 6, and/or n−1) of an n-staged pressurized tank array.

In one embodiment flow rate from each of the tanks in the tank array tothe vehicle can be monitored by the controller to determine when flowfrom a particular tank to the vehicle has stopped.

In one embodiment gaining input of the vehicle type and/or destinationtank size, and knowing the environmental thermal conditions, thecontroller can determine the final destination maximum allowed pressure,in order to not exceed the tank's rated capacity in case theenvironmental temperature should change, and thereby limit thequantity/pressure of gas transferred from the System.

In one embodiment an exit valve (not shown) connected to the outlet ofthe apparatus can be used to ensure that the vehicle fuel tank is notfilled to a pressure exceeding its rated working pressure of, forexample, 3,600 or 3,000 psi.

In one embodiment a gas flow meter can be connected to discharge line tomonitor the flow rate of gas being delivered to automobile. The flowrate determined by flow meter can be sent to controller which, inresponse to such information and/or information furnished from pressuresensors, decides which tanks from tank array to connect to each other,and/or which tanks to offload gas to the vehicle or destination tank.

In one embodiment one or more valves can be remotely controlled, such asa solenoid valve. The controller controls valves in the tank arraycausing flow to change based on pressures in the tanks. Simultaneously,or sequentially, controller can cause a compressor operatively connectedto controller to it to fill one or more tanks in the pressurized stagedtank array which is less than the desired set point pressures for suchtanks.

In one preferred embodiment, the total volume of any particular stagedtank in a staged tank array (which will be the sum of each tank(s)fluidly connected together during compression for such stage and anexample of this is provided as tanks 1060, 1060′, and 1060″ in FIG. 5,can vary from about 25 to about 200 liters. In another embodiment, thetotal volume of any particular tank will vary from about 50 to about 150liters. In another embodiment the size will vary from about 1 to about120 liters, and from about 15 to about 100 liters.

During off-loading/filling of a vehicle it will be apparent that thereis preferably sequential sequencing of the tanks in the tank array. Thefirst tank can be accessed, the second tank is accessed, the third tankis accessed, etc.

In another embodiment where the highest pressured staged tank isaccessed and its pressure drops below a predefined minimum for vehicleto be considered filled, compressor can be used in combination with oneor more tanks to complete the fill. In this embodiment, the compressorcan be used to compress gas from a first pressurized staged tank to thenext higher pressurized staged tank, then offloading from the higherpressurized staged tank to the vehicle, or compressing from such higherpressurized staged tank and into the vehicle.

Compressing Gas at More than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Times the Compressor's Ability to Compress in aSingle Stage

In one embodiment at compressing at a range of between any two of theabove referenced multiples of compressor ratings.

In one embodiment the compressor rating can be equal the maximum force,and/or the thermal loading limits which the driving motor can cause tobe applied to the compressor's piston divided by the cross sectionalarea of the compressor piston chamber.

Using Same Compressor, Recompressing Gas Previously Compressed byCompressor

One embodiment includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, recompression stages. In various embodiments arange of recompression stages between any two of the above referencednumber of recompression stages is envisioned.

Multiport Staging Valve Having Circular Staging Rotation

In one embodiment is provided a selecting valve having a first family ofports having a plurality of ports and a second family of ports having aplurality of ports, one of the first family of ports being selectivelyfluidly connectable with one of the second family of ports.

In one embodiment the first family has a plurality of ports. In oneembodiment the first family has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 ports. In various embodiments the firstfamily has between any two of the above specified number of ports.

In one embodiment the second family has a plurality of ports. In oneembodiment the second family has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 ports. In various embodiments the secondfamily has between any two of the above specified number of ports.

In one embodiment the first family has two ports and the second familyhas 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20ports. In various embodiments the first family has two ports and thesecond family has between any two of the above specified number ofports.

In one embodiment the second family of ports can be fluidly connected ina first direction by a plurality of one way valves. In one embodimentthe one way valves can be a plurality of check valves. In one embodimentthe plurality of check valves can be ported in the body of the valve.

In one embodiment a selector operatively connected to the first andsecond family of ports is used to selectively fluidly connect a firstport from the first family to a first port from the second family. Inone embodiment the selector operatively connected to the first andsecond family of ports is used to selectively fluidly connect a secondport from the first family to a second port from the second family.

In one embodiment the selector is used to selectively switch the fluidconnection between the first port from the first family and the firstport from the second family to the first port from the first family to athird port from the second family, and from the second port from thefirst family to a fourth port from the second family.

In one embodiment is provided a selecting valve comprising a body havinga first family of ports having a plurality of ports and a second familyof ports having a plurality of ports, and a selector rotatably mountedwith respect to the body, the selector selectively fluidly connecting afirst port from the first family to a first port from the second familyand a second port from the first family to a second port from the secondfamily.

In one embodiment rotation of the selector relative to the bodyselectively switches the fluid connection between the first port fromthe first family and the first port from the second family to fluidlyconnecting the first port from the first family to a third port from thesecond family, and fluidly connecting the second port from the firstfamily to a fourth port from the second family.

In one embodiment the selector has a circular cross section and isrotationally connected to the body. In one embodiment the selector has arotational axis relative to the body. In one embodiment the selector hasat least one trunnion which rotationally connects the selector to thebody.

In one embodiment the first port of the first family includes an openingwhich fluidly connects with the selector at the intersection of therotational axis of the selector relative to the body. In one embodimentthe second port of the second family includes a fluid connection withthe selector that is spaced apart from the rotational axis of theselector relative to the body. In one embodiment the fluid connectionbetween the selector and the second port of the second family includesan annular recess in the body the annular recess being circular with itscenter aligned with the rotational axis between the selector and thebody. In one embodiment the annular recess is in the selector. In oneembodiment the annular recess is in the body. In one embodiment matingannular recesses are located in the selector and the body.

In one embodiment the selector includes first and second selector fluidconduits, with the first selector fluid conduit having first and secondport connectors and the second selector fluid conduit having first andsecond port connectors.

In one embodiment each port in the second family of ports includes aplurality of conduits having first and second openings with the secondopening of each of the ports being located on a circle having its centerlocated on the relative axis of rotation between the selector and thebody, and with the angular spacing between adjacent second openingsconnectors being the same, and the selector having first and secondconduits each having first and second connectors, with the secondconnectors being located on a circle having its center located on therelative axis of rotation between the selector and the body, and theangular spacing between the second connectors being a multiple of theangular spacing between adjacent second openings of the second family ofports. In one embodiment the angular spacing between the secondconnectors of the first and second conduits is the same as the angularspacing between adjacent second openings of the second family of ports.In various embodiments the multiple is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and/or10.

In one embodiment, regardless of the relative angular position betweenthe selector and the body, the first port connector of the firstselector conduit of the selector remains fluidly connected to the firstport of the first family of ports.

In one embodiment, regardless of the relative angular position betweenthe selector and the body, the first port connector of the secondselector conduit of the selector remains fluidly connected to the secondport of the first family of ports.

In one embodiment, regardless of the relative angular position betweenthe selector and the body, the first port connector of the firstselector conduit of the selector remains fluidly connected to the firstport of the first family of ports, and the first port connector of thesecond selector conduit of the selector remains fluidly connected to thesecond port of the first family of ports.

In one embodiment relative angular movement between the selector and thebody causes the first port connector of the second selector conduit ofthe selector to traverse an arc having a substantially uniform radius ofcurvature. In one embodiment, relative angular movement greater than 360degrees causes the first port connector of the second selector conduitof the selector to move in a circle having a radius, while the firstport of the first selector conduit of the selector rotates in a singlespot about the rotational axis between the selector and the body.

In one embodiment relative angular movement of the selector with respectto body causes the first port of the first family to be connected to thesecond port of the second family and the second port of the first familyto be connected to a port of the second family which is not the first orsecond port. In one embodiment this is the third port of the secondfamily.

In one embodiment, relative angular rotation of selector with respect tobody of less than the angular spacing between the adjacent secondopenings of second family of ports causes the first and second conduitsto change from being fluidly connected to being fluidly disconnectedbetween first family of ports and the second family of ports.

By determining the angular spacing of the second openings for the secondfamily of ports compared to the angular spacing of the second connectorsfor the first and second conduits, relative connections between thefirst family of ports and the second family of ports can be varied. Forexample, if the angular spacing is the same then adjacent secondopenings of the second family of ports will be fluidly connected withthe first family of ports. If the relative angular spacing is 2, thenspaced apart second openings of the second family of ports will befluidly connected to the first family of ports. If the spacing is 3times, then twice spaced apart second openings of the second family ofports will be fluidly connected to the first family of ports. For eachmultiple of spacing the formula of multiple minus 1 spaced apart secondopenings of the second family of ports will be fluidly connected to thefirst family of ports. In the case of 1-1, then no spaced apart butadjacent second openings of the second family of ports will be fluidlyconnected to the first family of ports.

In one embodiment, there can be a multiplicity of selector valves asdescribed that are fluidly interconnected.

In various embodiments the pressures set forth in the Table shown inFIG. 65 can be the middle points for ranges that vary about 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 percent from such mid points on eitherside of such midpoints. In various embodiments the pressures can be theupper or lower points of ranges which vary respectively downwardly orupwardly by one of the specified percentages.

Power Limitations on Compressor

In various embodiments the compressor is powered by a motor of less thanor equal to about one or more of the following rated power ratings(e.g., rated average power and not peak power): ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, 1, 1.1, 1.2,1¼, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1¾, 1.8, 1.9, and 2 horsepower. In variousembodiments the compressor can be powered by a motor having a ratedpower rating of between any two of the above referenced power ratings.

In various embodiments the compressor can be powered by an 110, 115,and/or 120 volts electrical power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using an eight tankstorage array and a home source from which a single compressor can beused to incrementally compress from lower tanks or home source intohigher tanks.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the sequential operation of thevalve for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 switching fluid connectionsbetween adjacent ports when turning to allow compressor to create stagedpressurized tank array.

FIG. 2 includes the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, but with the additionof a plurality of one way valves between the tanks in the tank array.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using a seven tankstorage array and a home source from which a single compressor can beused to incrementally compress from lower tanks or home source intohigher tanks.

FIG. 4 includes the schematic diagram of FIG. 3, but with the additionof a plurality of one way valves between the tanks in the tank array.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using a six tank storagearray and a home source from which a single compressor can be used toincrementally compress from lower tanks or home source into highertanks, but in this figure the highest numbered tank includes threestorage sections of which two sections can be fluidly isolated withrespect to each other during compression and/or offloading activities.Although not shown for purposes of clarity a plurality of one way valvesbetween the tanks in the tank array can be added as in otherembodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using a seven tankstorage array and a home source from which a single compressor can beused to incrementally compress from lower tanks or home source intohigher tanks, but in this figure a second compressor has been added topre-compress home source gas before being compressed by the singlecompressor in the seven tank storage array. Although not shown forpurposes of clarity a plurality of one way valves between the tanks inthe tank array can be added as in other embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using an eight tankstorage array and a home source from which either a single compressor ormultiple compressors can be used to incrementally compress from lowertanks or home source into higher tanks, where selection of suction anddischarge to the single compressor or multiple compressors can be madeusing a manifold and plurality of valves for each tank in the storagetank array.

FIG. 7A shows a valve and check valve embodiment for one of the tanks inthe staged pressurized storage tank array of FIG. 7 (second tank)

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a hermetically sealed single stagereciprocating compressor with a piston and cylinder compression chamber.

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a hermetically sealed single stagereciprocating compressor with a piston and cylinder compression chamber.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi family multi port selector valvewhich can be used to connect the suction and discharge lines of thecompressor to selected different suction source and selected differentdischarge from the compressor.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the valve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the valve of FIG. 9 taken along the lines11-11 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the valve of FIG. 9 taken along the lines12-12 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top exploded view of the valve of FIG. 9 showing the threemain components: (1) top with selector and check valve porting; (2)selector with selector porting; and body with selector recess and baseporting.

FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded view of the valve of FIG. 9 showing thethree main components: (1) top with selector and check valve porting;(2) selector with selector porting; and body with selector recess andbase porting.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top of the valve body of FIG. 9 showingboth the lower selector porting and the upper check valve porting withcheck valves being omitted from the check valve porting (and with onlyseven selector ports included in this version for ease of discussion)and with many parts omitted for purposes of clarity in the discussion.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the top of the valve body of FIG. 9 showingboth the lower selector porting and the upper check valve porting withcheck valves placed in the check valve porting (and with only sevenselector ports included in this version for ease of discussion).

FIG. 17 is a representative diagram of a check valve port with a checkvalve included in the port).

FIG. 18 includes various views of the exploded valve of FIG. 9 (and withonly seven selector ports included in this version for drawing clarityand ease of discussion.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the top portion of the valve ofFIG. 9 showing selector and check valve porting.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the top with selector and checkvalve porting.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the top portion of the valve of FIG. 9 showingselector and check valve porting.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are bottom views of the top portion of the valve ofFIG. 9 showing selector and check valve porting.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the top portion of the valve body of FIG. 9showing selector and check valve porting.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the top of the valve body of FIG. 9 takenalong the lines 24-24 shown in FIG. 23 (and now with eight selectorports included in this embodiment to ease of discussion).

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the top of the valve of FIG. 9 takenalong the lines 25-25 shown in FIG. 23 but with check valves omitted forclarity (and now with seven selector ports included in this embodimentto ease of discussion).

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the top of the valve of FIG. 9 takenalong the lines 25-25 shown in FIG. 23, this figure including checkvalves in the check valve porting (and with seven selector portsincluded in this embodiment to ease of discussion).

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a selector forthe valve shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a selector forthe valve shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the selector shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the selector shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a top view of the selector shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the selector of FIG. 28 taken along thelines 32-32 shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the selector of FIG. 28 taken along thelines 33-33 shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a body for thevalve shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a body for thevalve shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the body shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the body shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the body shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the body of FIG. 34 taken along the lines39-39 shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a selectingvalve which is modified from the construction of the valve shown in FIG.9 by having the selector porting and check valve porting in the body ofthe valve instead of in the top of the valve.

FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a selectingvalve modified from the construction of the valve shown in FIG. 9 byhaving the selector porting and check valve porting in the body of thevalve instead of in the top of the valve, and by having the 260 and 270porting also on the body of the valve instead of on the bottom of thevalve.

FIG. 40C is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 40B withthe selector separated from the body of the valve.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show one embodiment of a sealing mechanism between aselector and the selector porting of either the body (e.g., FIG. 40) orthe top (e.g., FIG. 9).

FIG. 43 includes various embodiments of high pressure tubing connectionswhich can be used with one or more embodiments disclosed in thisapplication.

FIG. 44 is a plot diagram showing calculated pressure changes over timeof an eight stage tank array during an initial fill process.

FIG. 45 is a plot diagram showing calculated temperature changes overtime at a compressor discharge port, with ambient air cooling as theonly means of heat dissipation.

FIG. 46 is a plot diagram showing the horse power required throughoutthe completely empty System Fill Process, over 113 hours with an averagehorse power consumption of 0.11.

FIG. 47 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at 0 psig.

FIG. 48 is a plot diagram of calculated tank temperatures over timeduring a vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at 0psig.

FIG. 49 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at 1200 psig.

FIG. 50 is a plot diagram of calculated tank temperatures over timeduring a vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at1200 psig.

FIG. 51 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at 2400 psig.

FIG. 52 is a plot diagram of calculated tank temperatures over timeduring a vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at2400 psig.

FIG. 53 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at 3420 psig.

FIG. 54 is a plot diagram of calculated tank temperatures over timeduring a vehicle fill, assuming a 100 L vehicle tank which begins at3420 psig.

FIG. 55 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa system refresh fill, assuming that the system has previously offloadedgas to a 100 L vehicle tank which began at 0 psig. This is also anexample of WAVE Option #5 step methodology.

FIG. 56 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa system refresh fill, assuming that the system has previously offloadedgas to a 100 L vehicle tank which began at 1200 psig. This is also anexample of WAVE Option #5 step methodology.

FIG. 57 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa system refresh fill, assuming that the system has previously offloadedgas to a 100 L vehicle tank which began at 2400 psig. This is also anexample of WAVE Option #5 step methodology.

FIG. 58 is a plot diagram of calculated tank pressures over time duringa system refresh fill, assuming that the system has previously offloadedgas to a 100 L vehicle tank which began at 3420 psig. This is also anexample of WAVE Option #5 step methodology.

FIG. 59 is a graph comparing efficiency for a typical 4 stage compressorvs. the WAVE methodology.

FIG. 60 is a process flow diagram showing steps associated with a systeminitial fill or refresh fill.

FIG. 61 is a process flow diagram showing a method determination and anoff-load phase I transfer via pressure equalization.

FIG. 62 is a process flow diagram showing off-load phase II tanksequencing.

FIG. 63 is a process flow diagram showing a system off-load phase IIItank sequencing to the destination.

FIG. 64 is a process flow diagram showing a system refresh process.

FIG. 65 is a table describing optimized sizing for one embodiment of themethod and apparatus varying sized array volumes, driven by varyinglysized compressor peak horsepower ratings, while maintaining the sameaveraged horsepower rating for a 100 liter 3,000 psig and/or 3,600 psigdestination need.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

Overall System

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using an eight tankstorage array (tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080)and a home source 17 from which a single compressor 500 can be used toincrementally compress from lower tanks or home source into higher tanksbefore ultimately using system to fill a vehicle 20 storage tank 22.FIG. 2 includes the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, but with the additionof a plurality of one way valves 1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and1084 between the tanks in the tank array 1000.

In one embodiment refueling system 10 can have a compressor 500operatively connected to a tank array 1000. In one embodiment a valve100 can selective and operatively connect the compressor 500 to one ormore tanks in tank array 1000. Valve 100 can be a sequencing type valve.In another embodiment, schematically shown in FIG. 7, single sequencingvalve 100 can be replaced by a series of pairs of controllable valves ina manifold system.

In one embodiment a controller 2000 can be operatively connected to bothcompressor 500 and valve 100. In one embodiment a remote panel 2100 canbe used to control operation of system 10.

The number of tanks, containers, gas cylinders, or spheres which will beused in tank array 1000 can vary, depending upon the space available forsystem 10, the capacity of each tank, etc. In one embodiment tank array1000 can include tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and1080. Tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 areadapted to receive, store, and deliver pressurized gas. As is known tothose skilled in the art, each of tanks may be comprised of a singlestorage container such as, e.g., a storage cylinder, sphere, or annon-symmetrically shaped container. In one embodiment, however, tankarray 1000 comprises a multiplicity of storage containers. Cascaded tankarrays are well known to those skilled in the art and are described,e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,351,726; 5,333,465; 5,207,530; 5,052,856;4,805,674; 3,990,248; 3,505,996; and the like. The disclosure of each ofthese patents is hereby incorporated by reference into thisspecification.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a tank array 1000 which may be usedin the method and apparatus. In the embodiment the pressure of gasinside tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 can bemonitored by pressure gauges which provide input to a controller 2000.FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the sequential operation of valveassembly 100 for the eight tank staged tank array 1000, andschematically showing fluid connections between increasing pressurizedtanks in staged tank array 1000.

In one embodiment refueling system 10 is preferably housed in a small,unobtrusive module-type housing 15 (not shown for clarity) and isdesigned to operate on ordinary residential electrical supply systems(e.g. 110-230 volt systems) in order to provide a convenient andeasy-to-operate system for home refueling of a gaseous fuel poweredvehicle 20 or other device. One skilled in the art will recognize,however, that the principles of the present invention are equallyapplicable to larger versions of a gaseous refueling system, which areadapted for commercial use and which are capable of simultaneousmulti-vehicle refueling, for example.

In one embodiment system 10 can include a flexible outlet conduit 14,with a suitable connector at its free end, is adapted to be releasablyconnected to a vehicle 20 or other gaseous fuel consuming device inorder to discharge the gaseous fuel into a storage tank 22. System 10can include an inlet 12 adapted to be connected to a gaseous fuel supply16 by means of a conventional connector device of the type known tothose skilled in the art. In one embodiment the inlet 12 can include aseparator or filter 40 (such as an oil/gas separate or desiccantfilter). Fuel supply 16 can comprise a natural gas supply system such asthat commonly found in many residential and commercial facilities.

In one embodiment system 10 can also include a shut-off valve 17 forshutting down the system during extended periods of non-use or forisolating the system from the fuel supply 16 for purposes of servicingor repairing system 10. A gaseous fuel from the fuel supply 16 typicallyat between ¼ psig (1.72 kPa), ½ psig, ¾ psig, and/or 1 psig for example,and flows through valve 17, into the inlet 12 of system 10. In otherembodiments input source gas pressures to system 10 can be up to 60psig.

Although a control panel 2100 may be on housing 15 (not shown), it isalso contemplated that a remote control panel mounted can be used whichis separate and spaced away from the refueling module, such as insidethe user's home, for example. In various embodiments control panel 2100can be connected remotely such as wirelessly, internet, and/ortelephone.

In one embodiment the tanks in tank array 1000 and compressor can beselectively fluidly connected in a increasingly staged manner withrespect to the suction and discharge side of compressor 500. This can beas follows:

Suction Side Compressor Discharge Side Compressor outside gas source 16first tank 1010 first tank 1010 second tank 1020 second tank 1020 thirdtank 1030 third tank 1030 fourth tank 1040 fourth tank 1040 fifth tank1050 fifth tank 1050 sixth tank 1060 sixth tank 1060 seventh tank 1070seventh tank 1070 eighth tank 1080In one embodiment, selected tanks in tank array 1000 can be selectivelyfluidly connected to the suction side of compressor 500 andsimultaneously different selected tanks in tank array can be selectivelyconnected to the discharge side of the compressor 500.

Smaller Number of Tanks in Tank Array 1000

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagram of one embodiment of system 10′using a seven tank storage array 1000 and an exterior gas supply 16 fromwhich a single compressor 500 can be used to incrementally compress fromlower tanks or exterior gas source into higher tanks. FIG. 4 shows thesame system 10 with check valves included. The system 10′ operatessimilarly to the system 10 schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but withonly seven tanks instead of eight. The smaller number of tanks willreduce the number of staged compression steps performed by valve 100,and also incrementally reduce the highest stages set point pressure forthe highest numbered tank (tank 1070 in this embodiment).

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using an alternative sixtank storage array 1000 and a exterior gas source 16 from which a singlecompressor 500 can be used to incrementally compress from lower tanks orexterior gas source into higher tanks, but in this figure the highestnumbered tank (tank number 1070 in this embodiment) includes threestorage sections of (tanks 1060, 1060′, and 1060″) of which two sections(tanks 1060′ and 1060″) can be fluidly isolated using a plurality ofvalves 1400 and 1410 with respect to each other during compressionand/or offloading activities (e.g., 1060 isolated with respect to tanks1060′ and 1060″ by closing valve 1400, or 1060″ isolated with respect to1060 and 1060′ by closing valve 1410). Although not shown for purposesof clarity a plurality of one way valves between the tanks in the tankarray 1000 can be added as in other embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using a seven tankstorage array 1000 and a exterior gas source 16 from which a singlecompressor 500 can be used to incrementally compress from lower tanks orexterior gas source into higher tanks, but in this figure a secondcompressor 5000 has been added to pre-compress exterior gas source 16gas before being compressed by the single compressor 500 in the seventank storage array 1000. Although not shown for purposes of clarity aplurality of one way valves between the tanks in the tank array 1000 canbe added as in other embodiments. With this embodiment, the inletpressure to selector port zero 101 of valve 100 will be increased fromresidential source pressure of 1 psig or less to the pressure insidetank 5100. Compressor 500 can then incrementally compress above suchpressure. This embodiment can substantially increase the overall outputof system 10 in environments where inlet gas pressure is low becausecompressor 5000 would normally employ a larger volume displacement thanthe compressor 500.

Manifold Embodiment

FIGS. 1-6 schematically show a single sequencing valve 100 used toselectively fluidly connect a first selected suction tank to the suctionside of compressor 500 and a first selected discharge tank to thedischarge side of compressor 500. However, tank array 1000 can also beselectively fluidly connected to compressor 500 using a manifold andseries of controllable valves providing similar capabilities ofswitching tanks from suction to discharge sides of compressor 500.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment using an eight tankstorage array 1000 and an exterior gas source from which a singlecompressor 500 can be used to incrementally compress from lower tanks orexterior gas source into higher tanks, where selection of suction anddischarge to the single compress can be made using a manifold andplurality of valves for each tank 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060,1070, and 1080 in the storage tank array 1000.

FIG. 7 schematically shows tank array 1000 with manifold system andcontrollable valves. In this embodiment a second series of controllablevalves (valves 1013′, 1023′, 1033′, 1043′,1053′, 1063′, 1073′, and1083′) can be added to replace single sequencing valve 100 shown inother embodiments. The valves and compressor 500 are controlled bycontroller 2000.

In one embodiment a plurality of the tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080 can be secondarily fluidly connected to each other(in a single flow direction) through a plurality of valves, preferably aplurality of check valves 1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084.In one embodiment each of the tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060,1070, and 1080 can include a controllable shutoff valve 1013, 1023,1033, 1043, 1053, 1063, 1073, and 1083.

FIG. 7A shows an alternative valve and check valve embodiment for one ofthe tanks 1010 in the staged pressurized storage tank array of thisembodiment. This embodiment would include a manual shutoff valve to beincluded in each of the tanks (shutoff valve 1027 for tank 1020).

This embodiment is not preferred because of the increased cost andreduced reliability of the increased number of controllable valves insystem 10. Additionally, it would allow the accidental connection of twonon-adjacent tanks (e.g., tank 1080 with tank 1030), thereby causingpossibly harmful differential pressure loads on compressor 500 betweensuction and discharge. In addition, each connection has a potential forleaks. On the other hand, if properly designed, each could be connecteddirectly to the top of the tanks, replacing the standard tank valve.This technique would allow for the easy re-sizing and diagnosis of asystem.

General Compression Method

FIG. 1 schematically shows sequencing valve set in position 1. In thisposition compressor 500 initially has its suction line 510 fluidlyconnected via valve 100, through zero port (Port 101) to outside gassupply 16. Additionally, when sequencing valve 100 is set in position 1,compressor 500 discharge output 520 goes through separator 40, valve524, valve 528, and line 522 into sequencing valve 100, and into tank1010 of tank array 1000.

When first tank 1010 has reached its predetermined pressure, thesequencing valve 100 is rotated so that compressor 500 suction line 510is now connected to first tank 1010 and discharge line 520 is connectedto second tank 1020. Because the gas in first tank 1010 is now at ahigher density and pressure compared to exterior gas source 16,compressor 500 now compresses additionally the higher density gas intosecond tank 1020. Depending on the relative sizes of first and secondtanks 1010 and 1020 along with the set point pressure to be achieved inthe second tank 1020, valve 100 may need to be reset by controller 2000to again use exterior gas source 16 as suction for compressor 500 andthe first tank 1010 as discharge, in order to have enough gas to fillthe second tank 1020 (or a multiplicity of higher numbered staged tanks1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 such as by using aplurality of one way check valves) to its predefined pressure set pointfor the second compression stage.

Once the amount of gas pressure in the second tank 1020 has reached thedesired predefined pressure set point for tank 1020, valve 100 can berepositioned so that second tank 1020 becomes the suction for compressor500 and third tank 1030 receives discharge from compressor 500. Becausethe gas in second tank 1020 is now at a higher density and pressurecompared to gas in first tank 1010, compressor 500 now compressesadditionally the higher density gas into third tank 1020. Depending onthe relative sizes of third and second tanks 1030, 1020 along with theset pressure points to be achieved in second and third tanks 1020 1030,valve 100 may need to be reset by controller 2000 to again use firsttank 1010 as suction for compressor (relative to compressing into secondtank), along with using exterior gas source 16 as suction for compressor500 and the first tank 1010 as discharge, in order to have enough gas tofill the third tank 1030 to its predefined pressure set point.

The above referenced staged compressing process is repeated through asmany staged pressurized tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070,1080, etc. as needed to reach the desired output pressure of the highestnumbered tank using the selected horsepower of compressor 500. Unlike amulti-stage compressors, the same compressor unit 500 and compressorchamber 570 can be used for each stage of compressor (i.e., eachdiffering suction and discharge connections to compressor 500).

In one embodiment discharge from compressor 500 can be run through a gascooler 50 (not shown), where it can be cooled to substantially ambienttemperature at the outlet of gas cooler 50.

One embodiment can include a lubricant filter and separator 40. Thelubricant filter and separator 40 may comprise any of a number of knownfilter-type devices adapted to remove lubricating oil or liquids from agas stream passing therethrough. The lubricant filter and separator 40functions to return compressor 500 lubricants to the suction 510 ofcompressor 500. Additionally, since at ambient temperatures most gaseousfuels are capable of containing vaporized or entrained lubricants ormoisture, a moisture-removing means may be included downstream of thelubricant filter and separator 40. A properly sized and shaped lubricantseparator/filter 40 can substantially reduce the discharge temperatureof the gas while it separates the lubricant from the gas. Moistureremoval is not shown in the schematic drawings because it is known by aperson of ordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, where moisture and other condensable fluids needto be removed, means, well known to the art, will need to be used atappropriate pressures for liquid removal.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a hermetically sealed single stagecompressor 500 with a piston 560 and cylinder compression chamber 570 (areciprocating type compressor is schematically shown). In one embodimentcompressor 500 can be used to compress a gas into any of tanks 1010,1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, or 1080. In one embodiment the inputto compressor 500 can be changed by controller 2000 from either anexternal source 16, or one of the tanks in the tank array 1000.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a hermeticallysealed single stage compressor 500 with a piston 560 and cylindercompression chamber 570 (a reciprocating type compressor isschematically shown). In one embodiment suction 510 of compressor 500goes first into the internal chamber of housing 504 of compressor 500before being taking into the compression chamber 570 for compression.Compressor 500 is schematically shown in FIG. 8 and can be ahermitically sealed compressor having a housing or body 504 withinterior 506, input 510, output 520, motor 540, cylinder 550, piston560, and chamber 570. Chamber can have interior volume, input 572, andoutput 574. Check valve 573 can be attached to input 572 of chamber 570.Check valve 575 can be attached to output 520. Check valve 512 can beattached to compressor input 510. Check valve 512 is used to prevent thehigh pressure gas energy built up in the housing 504 from being lost asvalve 100 cycles (such as cycling to Position 1).

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hermeticallysealed single stage compressor 500 with a piston 560 and cylindercompression chamber 570 (a reciprocating type compressor isschematically shown). In another embodiment suction 510 of compressor500 goes first into compression chamber 570, and compressed gas fromcompression chamber 570 exits first into the internal chamber of housing504 of compressor 500 before leaving compressor 500 through output ordischarge line 520. Although not shown in FIG. 8, in various embodimentsinput or suction line 510 of compressor 500 can bypass interior ofhousing 504 and go into compression chamber 570, with compressionchamber 570 output 574 of compressed gases being discharged into theinterior of housing 504 before such compressed gases leave interior ofhousing 504 through check valve 575 and output or discharge line 520.

In one embodiment a hermetically-sealed gas reciprocating typecompressor 500 of similar design to the types commonly employed inrefrigeration apparatuses can be used. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize, of course, that various type compressors mayalternatively be used including but not limited to reciprocating,rotary, screw, centrifugal, and scroll type compressors. The compressioncycles of each type are generally described below.

Reciprocating compressors use the reciprocating action of a pistoninside a cylinder to compress a gas. As the piston moves downward in thecylinder, a vacuum is created inside the cylinder. Because the pressureabove the cylinder's intake valve is greater than the pressure below theintake valve, the valve is forced open and gas is sucked into thecylinder. After the piston reaches its bottom position in the cylinder,the piston begins to move upward, and the intake valve closes, trappingthe gas to be compressed inside the cylinder. As the piston continues tomove upwardly in the cylinder, the piston compresses the gas. At acertain point the pressure exerted by the compressed gas in the cylinderforces the cylinder's exhaust valve to open and the compressed gas flowsout of the cylinder. Once the piston reaches its top-most position, thepiston starts moving downward again and the compression cycle isrepeated.

Rotary compressors compress a gas by the rotating action of a rollerinside a compression cylinder. The roller rotates eccentrically(off-center) around a shaft so that part of the roller is always incontact with the inside wall of the cylinder. During each rollercompression cycle, a spring-mounted blade continuously maintains contactwith both the inside wall of the cylinder and the exterior surface ofthe roller so that these two points of contact (in the interior of thecompression cylinder) create in such cylinder interior two sealed areasof continuously variable volume. At a certain point during rotation ofthe roller, the intake port to the compression chamber is exposed,continued rotation of the cylinder creates a vacuum inside the first ofthe two sealed areas, and a quantity of gas is sucked into and fills thefirst of the two sealed areas of the compression chamber of thecylinder. As the roller continues to rotate the volume of the first ofthe two sealed areas is reduced causing the gas in this first area to becompressed. When continued rotation of the roller causes the compressionchamber's exhaust valve to be exposed to the first of the two sealedareas, the compressed high-pressure gas in this first area forces theexhaust valve to open and the gas is released from the compressionchamber. As the gas in the first of the two sealed areas is beingcompressed by rotation of the cylinder, additional gas is being suckedinto the second of the two sealed areas for compression. Rotarycompressors are considered very efficient because the actions of takingin gas and compressing gas occur simultaneously (e.g., compressionoccurring in the first of the two sealed areas simultaneously with gasbeing sucked into the second of the two sealed areas).

Screw compressors compress a gas using a pair of intermeshing helicalrotors with interlobal spaces. As the rotors rotate they intermesh,alternately exposing and closing off interlobe spaces at the ends of therotors. When an interlobe space at the intake end opens up, gas issucked into it. As the rotors continue to rotate the gas becomes trappedinside the interlobe space and is forced along the length of the rotors.The volume of the interlobe space decreases and the gas is compressed.The compressed gas exists when the interlobe space reaches the other end(male and female) inside a sealed chamber.

Scroll compressors compress a gas using two offset spiral disks that arenested together in a compression chamber. The upper disk is stationarywhile the lower disk moves in orbital fashion. The orbiting action ofthe lower disk inside the stationary disk creates sealed spaces ofvarying volume. Gas is sucked in through inlet ports at the perimeter ofthe scroll. A quantity of gas becomes trapped in one of the sealedspaces. As the disk orbits the enclosed space containing the gas istransferred toward the center of the disk and its volume decreases. Asthe volume decreases, the gas is compressed. The compressed gas isdischarged through a port at the center of the upper disk

In one embodiment a sequencing valve 100 as described herein can be usedto operatively connect compressor 500 to tank array 1000. In another oneembodiment a plurality of valves in a manifold array can be used tooperatively connect compressor 500 to tank array 1000. In one embodimentcontroller 2000 can control sequencing valve 100 or plurality of valveswhich operatively connect compressor 500 to tank array 1000. In oneembodiment pressure sensors are provided at each of the tanks in tankarray 1000 (tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080.Tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) and real timepressure data for each of the tanks are sent by such sensors tocontroller 2000. With such information provided by pressuresensors/transducers, controller 2000 operates compressor 500 andsequencing valve 100 to control the flow of gas into (and out of) eachof the tanks in tank array 1000. Such control can be based on apredefined set point for compressed gas in each of the tanks in tankarray 1000.

In one embodiment is provided a refueling system 10 along with method ofusing the system 10 to refuel a vehicle 20 with pressurized gaseousfuel. System 10 can be comprised of a gas compressor 500 operativelyconnected to storage tank array 1000 by a controller 2000. In oneembodiment system 10 can switch sources of gas to be compressed bycompressor 500, and in one embodiment tanks from tank array 100 intowhich compressor 500 had previously discharged compressed gas, can inturn be used as the source of gas to be further compressed by compressor500 to another one of the tanks in tank array 1000. In variousembodiments this stacking or layering of using the same compressor 500to compress additionally gas that compressor 500 had previouslycompressed can be repeated limited only by the number of tanks in tankarray 1000. In this manner each tank can serve as a separate stage ofcompressor ultimately increasing the possible maximum compressive outputof compressor 500 based on the number of different staged compressedinputs.

In one embodiment system 10 can be used to deliver compressed naturalgas to a motor vehicle 20. Additionally, it is envisioned that system 10may be used to deliver compressed gas to devices other than motorvehicles. For example, apparatus/system 10 can deliver compressed gas toany storage tank, to a self-contained breathing apparatus, aself-contained underwater breathing apparatus, and like. Furthermore, aswill be apparent to those skilled in the art, the gas delivered need notbe compressed natural gas but may be other gases, e.g., be hydrogen,oxygen, air, or any other compressible gas or fluid. For the sake ofsimplicity of description, the remainder of this specification willrefer to the delivery of compressed natural gas, it being understoodthat the system is applicable to the delivery of other compressiblefluids.

In one embodiment compressor 500 compresses the gaseous fuel, andthereby increases its pressure to a predetermined desired pressure levelbetween tanks in tank array 1000. In one actually-constructed prototypeembodiment, such predetermined gas pressure is limited to a 500 psipressure differential between tanks in tank array 1000. In oneembodiment the following set pressure points are desired for an eighttank array 1000.

Predefined Staged Predefined Staged Tank High Press Low Press number SetPoint (psi) Set Point (psi) T1 1010 150 150 T2 1020 650 350 T3 1030 1150850 T4 1040 1650 1350 T5 1050 2150 1850 T6 1060 2650 2350 T7 1070 31502850 T8 1080 3650 —

For the initial fill process when each tank array 1000 is essentiallyempty, compressor 500 pressurizes each tank (tanks 1010, 1020, 1030,1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) until a first predetermined pressure(e.g., 150 psig) is reached in all tanks. Once 150 psig is reached ineach tank, valving is switched such that the first tank 1010 will nowserve as the compressor 500 suction tank. The compressor 500depressurizes the first tank 1010 and pressurizes stages 2 through 8(tanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) until the pressurein the first tank 1010 drops below a pressure predetermined firstpressure drop (e.g., 50 psig). When the first tank 1010 drops below 100psig valving is switched such that the first tank 1010 will now bereplenished by the 0.5 psig domestic gas supply. Once the first tank1010 is re-pressurized to 150 psig using compressor 500, and valving isswitched again to make the first tank 1010 the compressor 500 suctiontank to pressurize tanks 2 through 8 (tanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080). This process is repeated many times over untiltanks 2 through 8 (tanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080)reach a pressure of 650 psig.

Once tanks 2 through 8 (tanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and1080) reach a pressure of 650 psig, valving is switched such that thesecond tank 1020 now serves as the compressor 500 suction tank forpressurizing tanks 3 through 8 (tanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and1080). Compressor 500 depressurizes the second tank 1020 and pressurizestanks 3 through 8 (tanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) untilthe second tank 1020 drops below a pressure predetermined first pressuredrop (e.g., 350 psi). Once the second tank 1020 drops below 320 psig,valving is switched such that the first tank 1010 is now the compressor500 suction tank and the compressor 500 is pressurizing the second tank1020 (only the second tank because tank 3 is at a higher pressures thantank 2 at this point and the check valve 1034 connecting tanks 2 and 3blocks flow until the pressure of tank 2 exceeds the pressure of tank3). Several similar cycles of depleting the first tank 1010 topressurize the second tank 1020 (and refilling the first tank 1010 withthe domestic gas supply) will occur to bring the second tank 1020 backup to a pressure of 650 psig which is the first predefined pressure forthe second tank. Once the second tank 1020 achieves a pressure of 650psig, valving is switched again to make the second tank 1020 thecompressor 500 suction tank for pressurizing tanks 3 through 8 (tanks1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) as the compressor dischargetanks.

Generally the above specified pattern can be repeated up through tank 8with each lower tank serving as the compressor suction tank once theirrespective predefined pressure set point value is achieved. Upon thetank pressure dropping below the predefined lower tank value is reachedwhen using a tank as a suction tank for compressor 500, valving isswitched to make lower tanks replenish the upper tank. A more detailedmethod of preparing tank array 1000 is provided below.

Filling Vehicle Tank Discharge of Gas Into Car

In order to discharge gaseous fuel from system 10 into the vehiclestorage system 22, the outlet 14 is connected to the vehicle storagesystem 22, valves 528 and 532 are opened, and valve 524 is closed tominimize backflow through compressor 500. It is noted that when valve100's second port 260 is fluidly connected to a chosen selector port offirst family 109, second selector port 270 from valve 100 is alsofluidly connected with a different selector port from first family ofports. As the suction line of compressor 500 is fluidly connected totanks of staged tank array 100 of increasingly higher pressures, thensuch increasingly higher pressures can be used as starting pressures tocompress above and beyond as such suction pressure fills interior 506 ofhousing 504.

In a default setting system 10 first fluidly connects first tank 1010 tooutlet 14. The pressure of first tank 1010 is monitored for apredetermined period of time to determine whether a transient decreasein tank pressure is seen or pressure has entered a static condition.After no change in pressure of first tank 1010 is seen for apredetermined period of time, system 10 next fluidly connects secondtank 1020 to outlet 14. The pressure of second tank 1020 is monitoredfor a predetermined period of time to determine whether a decrease intank pressure is seen or pressure has equalized. After no change inpressure of second tank 1020 is seen for a predetermined period of time,system 10 next fluidly connects third tank 1030 to outlet 14. Thepressure of third tank 1030 is monitored for a predetermined period oftime to determine whether a decrease in tank pressure is seen orpressure has equalized. After no change in pressure of third tank 1030is seen for a predetermined period of time, system 10 next fluidlyconnects fourth tank 1040 to outlet 14. The pressure of fourth tank 1040is monitored for a predetermined period of time to determine whether adecrease in tank pressure is seen or pressure has equalized. After nochange in pressure of fourth tank 1040 is seen for a predeterminedperiod of time, system 10 next fluidly connects fifth tank 1050 tooutlet 14. The pressure of fifth tank 1050 is monitored for apredetermined period of time to determine whether a decrease in tankpressure is seen or pressure has equalized. After no change in pressureof fifth tank 1050 is seen for a predetermined period of time, system 10next fluidly connects sixth tank 1060 to outlet 14. The pressure ofsixth tank 1060 is monitored for a predetermined period of time todetermine whether a decrease in tank pressure is seen or pressure hasequalized. After no change in pressure of sixth tank 1060 is seen for apredetermined period of time, system 10 next fluidly connects seventhtank 1070 to outlet 14. The pressure of seventh tank 1070 is monitoredfor a predetermined period of time to determine whether a decrease intank pressure is seen or pressure has equalized. After no change inpressure of seventh tank 1080 is seen for a predetermined period oftime, system 10 next fluidly connects eight tank 1080 to outlet 14. Thepressure of eighth tank 1080 is monitored for a predetermined period oftime to determine whether a decrease in tank pressure is seen orpressure has equalized. After no change in pressure of eighth tank 1080is seen for a predetermined period of time, system 10 enters a “toppingoff” mode depending on the amount of extra compressed gas to beoffloaded into vehicle's tank 22.

Single Selecting Valve Embodiment

FIGS. 1-8 and 9-39 show one embodiment of a single selecting valve 100.Selecting valve 100 can be used to operatively connect suction anddischarge ports of compressor 500 to selected tanks the tank array 1000(with suction port also being connectable to exterior gas source 16).The number of ports in first family of ports 109 can be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and/or 20 ports. In variousembodiments there can be a range of number of ports in first family ofports 109 between any two of the above specified numbers.

The number of ports in second family of ports 209 can be 2, 3, 4, and/or5. In various embodiments there can be a range of number of ports insecond family of ports 209 between any two of the above specifiednumbers.

Generally, selecting valve 100 can include first family of selectableports 109 and second family of selectable ports 209, wherein two of theports from the second family of selectable ports can be selected to befluidly connected with two of the first family of selectable ports 109.First family of ports 109 can include a plurality of ports 101, 110,120,130,140,150,160,170, and 180. Second family of ports can include aplurality of ports 260 and 270.

Generally, valve 100 can comprise top 400, selector 300, and body 200.Selector 300 can be rotatively connected to both top 400 and body 200.

In one embodiment top 400 can include first family of ports 109, andbody 200 can include second family of ports 209.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of multi family multi port selector valve100 which can be used to connect the suction 510 and discharge 520 linesof the compressor 500 to selected different suction source and selecteddifferent discharge from the compressor 500. FIG. 10 is a top view ofvalve 100. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of valve 100 taken along thelines 11-11 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of valve 100taken along the lines 12-12 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top exploded view of the valve 100 showing the three maincomponents: (1) top 400 with first family of selector porting 109 andcheck valve porting; (2) selector 300 with selector porting; and body200 with selector recess 200 and second family of selector porting 209or base porting.

FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded view of valve 100 showing the three maincomponents: (1) top with selector and check valve porting; (2) selectorwith selector porting; and body with selector recess and base porting.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top of the valve 100 showing both thelower selector porting (first family 109 of selector porting) and theupper check valve porting with check valves being omitted from the checkvalve porting (and with only seven selector ports 101,110,120,130,140,150 and 160 included in this version ease ofdiscussion).

FIG. 16 is a translucent top view of the top 400 of valve 100 showingboth the lower selector porting (first family 109 of selector porting)and the upper check valve porting (and with only seven selector ports101, 110,120,130,140,150 and 160 included in this version ease ofdiscussion).

FIGS. 16 and 17 include representative diagrams of a check valve port1024 with a check valve included in the port. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that the check valve 1024 can comprise ball 1260 andspring 1270 components. Spring 1270 will push ball 1260 in the directionof arrow 1220 blocking flow in check valve 1024 in the direction ofarrow 1220 because gas attempting to flow in the direction of arrow 1220will be blocked by ball 1260 sealing the port for flow going past ball1260, while gas attempting to flow in the direction of arrow 1210 willplace a force on ball 1260 and, if enough force on ball 1260 is seen,move both ball 1260 and spring 1270 in the direction of arrow 1210, andallow flow in the direction of arrow 1240 until spring 1270 overcomessuch gaseous force and pushes back ball 1270 to seal the port.

FIG. 18 includes various views of the exploded valve 100 (and with onlyseven selector ports 101, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 of the firstfamily 109 included in this version for drawing clarity and ease ofdiscussion). Several of the cutaway views in FIG. 18, while nottechnically correct have been edited for clarity of presentation. Ratherthan mirror port and check valve cutaways as is shown by the directionarrows, they are oriented the same way for ease of understanding. Thecutaway of the selector spool 300 doesn't exist as a flat plane but areshowing together in the same page to make clearer the simultaneous fluidconnections conduits 360 and 370 and first and second selector ports 260and 270 of the second family of ports 209.

In one embodiment valve 100 can be operated to select a plurality ofports from the first family 109 to be fluidly connected with a pluralityof ports with the second family 209, and such selected plurality ofports from the first 109 and second 209 families to be fluidly connectedto each other can be changed by operation of the valve 100.

As best seen in FIGS. 11, 12, and 18, selector 300 can be used to selectwhich ports from the first family of ports 109 will be selectivelyconnected to which ports of the second family of ports 209. Valve 100 inthis embodiment includes a second family of ports 209 having two ports260, 270 which are selectively connected to a selected two of the firstfamily of ports 109. That is, valve 100 allows two ports of the firstfamily 109 to be connected to a selected two ports of the second family209.

To operate as a port selector between the first 109 and second 209family of ports, selector 300 includes two selector conduits—firstconduit 360 and second conduit 370. In this embodiment, regardless ofthe position of selector 300, first selector conduit 360 remains fluidlyconnected to first port 260 of second family of ports 209, however,first selector conduit 360 can be selectively connected to a selectedone of the first family of ports 109 (e.g., port 101, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, and/or 180). In this embodiment, regardless of theposition of selector 300, second selector conduit 370 remains fluidlyconnected to second port 270 of second family of ports 209, however,second selector conduit 370 can be selectively connected to a selectedone of the first family of ports 109 (e.g., port 101, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, and/or 180). Selection of what port from the firstfamily of ports 109 first selector conduit 260 is connected to and whatport from the first family of ports 109 second selector conduit 270 isconnected to can be controlled by rotation of selector 300 relative totop 400.

In this embodiment, which pair of ports from the first family of ports109 is connected to first 360 and second 370 conduits of selector 300 isdependent on the spaced geometry of upper/first connector 362 of firstconduit compared to upper/first connector 372 of second conduit inrelation to the geometry of second connectors (106, 116, 126, 136, 146,156, 166, 176, 186) of first family of ports 109 (101, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, 180).

As best shown by FIG. 31 first connectors (362 and 372) of first andsecond conduits (360 and 370) can be spaced about a circle centeredaround the rotational axis 304 between selector 300 and top 400 with anangular spacing of angle 380. Similarly, as best shown by FIGS. 22A and22B, second connectors (106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, 186) offirst family of ports 109 (101, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180)can likewise be symmetrically spaced about a circle centered around therotational axis 304 between selector 300 and top 400. The symmetricalspacing is schematically indicated by double arrows 107, 117, 127, 137,147, 157, 167, 177, 187′, and 187″ wherein the angles 107, 117, 127,137, 147, 157, 167, and 177 are equal to each other to obtain symmetry.The angular spacing 380 can be an integer multiple of the angularspacing between second connectors (106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166,176, 186) of first family of ports 109 (101, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150,160, 170, 180); wherein the integer can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,and/or 10 (or any range between any two of these integers). Port 000 islabeled only as a dead port and will not allow gas flow.

As disclosed in this embodiment angle 380 is equal to the angularspacing between second connectors (106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166,176, 186) of first family of ports 109 (101, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150,160, 170, 180). With an equal spacing (i.e., integer multiple of 1),first and second conduits 360 and 370 can only be fluidly connected withadjacent ports of the first family of ports 109 (and therefore first andsecond ports 260 and 270 of the second family of ports can only befluidly connected to adjacent ports of the first family of ports 109).The following table provides examples of fluid port connections betweenfirst family 109, selector conduits, and second family of ports 209.

On the other hand if the integer multiplier is 2 (angle 380 is twice thesize of the angles between second connectors (106, 116, 126, 136, 146,156, 166, 176, 186) of first family of ports 109 (101, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, 180), then first and second conduits 360 and 370 canonly be fluidly connected with one port skipped adjacent ports of thefirst family of ports 109 (and therefore first and second ports 260 and270 of the second family of ports can only be fluidly connected to oneport skipped adjacent ports of the first family of ports 109)

The numbers of ports in first family of ports 209 can be varied toprovide a user with the desired number of ports from which to selectfluid connections with. However, the angular spacing between the secondconnectors (e.g., angular spacing 117 between second connectors 106 and116 of ports 101 and 110 should be equal to the angular spacing 127between second connectors 116 and 126 of ports 110 and 120 should beequal to the angular spacing, 126, etc.) should remain equal, and suchangular spacing should be an integer multiple of the angular spacingbetween first connectors 362 and 372 of first and second conduits 360and 370 of selector 300. Such a construction allows selected fluidconnection between selected pluralities of ports in the first family 109with a selected plurality of ports in the second family 209.

Below is a table listing various examples of selected fluid connectionbetween selected pluralities of ports in the first family 109 with aselected plurality of ports in the second family 209.

Each row shows the fluid port connections for a selected position oroption with respect to valve 100. The listed Positions and first andsecond selector port family connections are also shown schematically inFIG. 1A.

TABLE 1 Listing of Selected Port Fluid Connections Options: Selector 300Position 1st Family Fluid 2nd Family Selected 109 Ports Connection 209Ports 1 101 370 270 110 360 260 2 110 370 270 120 360 260 3 120 370 270130 360 260 4 130 370 270 140 360 260 5 140 370 270 150 360 260 6 150370 270 160 360 260 7 160 370 270 170 360 260 8 170 370 270 180 360 2609 180 370 270With the above Table 1, it should be noted that, even with stagechanges, the fluid connections between selector conduits 360 and 370 andthe second family of ports 260 and 270 remain the same. That isregardless of the position of selector relative to valve, first conduit360 of selector 300 remains fluidly connected with first port 260 ofsecond family of ports 209, and second conduit 370 of selector 300remains fluidly connected with second port 270 of second family of ports209.

In one embodiment rotation of selector 300 selects which plurality ofports from first family 109 are fluidly connected with which pluralityof ports from second family 209.

In a preferred embodiment, the first plurality of ports 109 can beincluded in top 400, and second family of ports 209 can be included inbottom 220 of body 200.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the first family or ports 109′can be included in body 200′ as well as second family of ports 209′(this is schematically shown in FIG. 40A in cross section with onlycross porting of first family of ports 109′ for check valves 1014′ and1074′ shown for clarity).

FIG. 40B is a schematic cross sectional view of yet another preferredembodiment of a selecting valve 100″ modified from the construction ofthe valve 100 shown in FIG. 9 by having the selector 300 porting andcheck valve porting in the body 200″ of valve 100″ instead of in the topof the valve, and by having the 260″ and 270″ porting also on the body200″ of the valve 100″ instead of on the bottom of the valve. FIG. 40Cis an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 40B with theselector separated from the body of the valve. In this embodiment thefirst family or ports 109″ can be included in body 200″ as well assecond family of ports 209″ in body 200″ (second family of ports 209″including ports 260″ and 270″). In sectional view FIG. 40B only crossporting of first family of ports 109″ for check valves 1014″ and 1074″are shown for clarity. Also in this alternative embodiment a partialspherical sealing area 340 (as opposed to a cylindrical sealing area)can be used between selector 300″ and the particularly selected portsfrom first family of ports 109″. Such partial spherical sealing area 340for selector 300″ is shown in cross section in FIG. 40B and inperspective in FIG. 40C. O-rings in o-ring grooves 342 and 344 seal offannular groove 370″ which remains fluidly connected with port 270″ ofsecond family of ports 209″ regardless of the angular position ofselector 300″ relative to body 200″. Additionally, o-rings in o-ringgrooves 344 and 346 seal off annular groove 360″ which remains fluidlyconnected with port 260″ of second family of ports 209″ regardless ofthe angular position of selector 300″ relative to body 200″. Bottombonnet 213 can be used to rotatively support selector 300″ in body 200″,and bottom bonnet 213 can be threadably connected to body 200″.

In other embodiments (not shown) first family of ports 109 can be partlylocated in top 400 and partly located in body 200. In other embodiments(not shown) it is envisioned that first family of ports 109 and secondfamily of ports 209 can be located in top 400. In different embodimentsdifferent porting arrangements can be used, however, it is preferredthat the distances traveled in lower pressure porting be minimized as itis believed that lower pressure gases lose greater pressure losses whentraveling through longer porting lines compared to higher pressure gasestraveling through the same length of porting.

Additionally, in the various embodiments rod 314 of selector 300 isshown coming out of the top of valve 100. This is not required and rod314 could come out of either (or both) top and bottom of valve 100.However, the design of valve 100 would have to take into accountdifferential pressure forces seen by selector 300 which may tend to pushselector 300 out of valve 100 and resist such forces, or attempt tobalance differential forces.

The individual components of the alternative embodiments of selectorvalve 100 will not be reviewed as a person of ordinary skill in the artwould understand how to make these from this disclosure.

Top

FIGS. 19 and 20 are respectively top and bottom perspective views of thetop portion 400 of valve 100 showing selector first family 109 and checkvalve porting. FIGS. 21 and 22 (22A and 22B) are respectively top andbottom views of top portion 400.

Top 400 can include upper portion 410, lower portion 420, and outerperiphery 414 thereby being cylindrical in shape. Top 400 can alsoinclude a plurality of connector openings 404 which can be used toconnect top 400 to valve 100 (e.g., by body 200 as schematicallyindicated in FIG. 18). The shape of top 400 does not have to becylindrical and other shapes are contemplated. It is only the circularpattern of second connectors (e.g., 106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166,176, etc.) that is required in order to match up with first connectors362 and 372 of first and second conduits 360 and 370 of selector thatneed to match up to provide that ability to select between first 109 andsecond 209 families of ports for fluid connection.

Top 400 can also include opening 420 for rod 314 of selector 300 whichwill control the rotational axis 304 between selector 300 and valve 100.

Generally, top 400 includes a plurality of selector porting 430 whichincludes the first family 109 of selector ports. FIG. 23 is a side viewof the top portion 400. FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along thelines 24-24 of FIG. 23. Generally, in this embodiment top 400 has twosets of porting: (1) selector porting for the first family of ports 109and (2) check valve porting which can be used to provide secondary fluidconnection between specific selector ports of the first family of ports109.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 24, eight selector ports are shownwhich include zero selector port 101 having first 102 and second 106connectors; first selector port 110 having first 112 and second 116connectors; second selector port 120 having first 122 and second 126connectors; third selector port 130 having first 132 and second 136connectors; fourth selector port 140 having first 142 and second 146connectors; fifth selector port 150 having first 152 and second 156connectors; sixth selector port 160 having first 162 and second 166connectors; and seventh selector port 170 having first 172 and second176 connectors. As noted previously, the angular spacing betweenradially adjacent second connectors of selector porting should be equal,and angles 117, 127, 137, 147, 157, 167, and 167 should be equal. Theangle between ports second connectors 106 of zero port 101 and secondconnector 176 of seventh port 170 does not have to be equal to the otherangular spacing as this is dead space where the first connectors 362 and366 of selector 300 moving in such dead space area will not be fluidlyconnected to any of the selector ports of the first family 109 ofselector porting. However, as discussed elsewhere, regardless of theposition of selector 300, first and second conduits 360 and 370 remainfluidly connected respectively with first and second ports 260 and 270of the second family of selector porting 209.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the top of the valve 100 showing both thelower selector porting (first family 109 of selector porting) and theupper check valve porting with check valves being omitted from the checkvalve porting (and with only seven selector ports 101,110,120,130,140,150 and 160 included in this version ease ofdiscussion). FIG. 16 is a top view of the top 400 of valve 100 showingboth the lower selector porting (first family 109 of selector porting)and the upper check valve porting with check valves being omitted fromthe check valve porting (and with only seven selector ports 101,110,120,130,140,150 and 160 included in this version ease ofdiscussion).

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along the lines 25-25 of FIG. 23 (butwith check valves omitted for clarity). FIG. 26 is a sectional viewtaken along the lines 25-25, but with check valves included.

Generally, top 400 can also include a plurality of alternative flowcheck valve porting 450 which, regardless of the position chosen forselector 300 relative to valve 100, check valve porting 450 fluidlyconnects individual pairs of ports in the first family 109 of selectorports for fluid flow in a first direction as long as pressure betweenthe connected ports exceeds the pressure required to overcome the checkvalve closing action, but does not allow fluid flow in a seconddirection, which is opposite to the first direction between theconnected ports regardless of differential pressures between selectorports. In one embodiment adjacent selector porting of the first family109 of ports can be chained via check valve porting to fluidly connectmore than single pairs of first family ports.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26, seven check valve ports areshown which include check valve port 1014′ having first 1015 and second1016 ends (between zero selector port 101 and first selector port 110);check valve port 1024′ having first 1025 and second 1026 ends (betweenfirst selector port 110 and second selector port 120); check valve port1024′ having first 1025 and second 1026 ends (between second selectorport 120 and third selector port 130); check valve port 1044′ havingfirst 1415 and second 1046 ends (between third selector port 130 andfourth selector port 140); check valve port 1054′ having first 1055 andsecond 1056 ends (between fourth selector port 140 and fifth selectorport 150); check valve port 1064′ having first 1065 and second 1066 ends(between fifth selector port 150 and sixth selector port 160); checkvalve port 1074′ having first 1075 and second 1076 ends (between sixthselector port 160 and seventh selector port 170).

FIGS. 25 and 26 show the use of check valve porting to fluidly connectvarious ports in the first family of selector ports 109. Zero port 101can be fluidly connected to first port 110 in a first direction (i.e.,from zero port 101 to first port 110) through check valve porting 1014′.First port 110 can be fluidly connected to second port 120 in a firstdirection (i.e., from first port 110 to second port 120) through checkvalve porting 1024′. Second port 120 can be fluidly connected to thirdport 130 in a first direction (i.e., from second port 120 to second port130) through check valve porting 1034′. Third port 130 can be fluidlyconnected to fourth port 140 in a first direction (i.e., from third port130 to fourth port 140) through check valve porting 1424′. Fourth port140 can be fluidly connected to fifth port 150 in a first direction(i.e., from fourth port 140 to fifth port 150) through check valveporting 1054′. Fifth port 150 can be fluidly connected to sixth port 160in a first direction (i.e., from fifth port 150 to sixth port 160)through check valve porting 1064′. Sixth port 160 can be fluidlyconnected to seventh port 170 in a first direction (i.e., from sixthport 160 to seventh port 170) through check valve porting 1074′.

In each of the above check valve porting connections gas can flow in afirst direction as explained, but gas is prevented from flowing in asecond direction (which is the opposite of the first direction) via theapplicable check valve porting:

(1) via check valve porting 1014′ from first port 110 to zero port 101;

(2) via check valve porting 1024′ from second port 120 to port 110;

(3) via check valve porting 1034′ from second port 120 to second port130;

(4) via check valve porting 1044′. from fourth port 140 to third port130;

(5) via check valve porting 1044′ from fifth port 150 to fourth port140;

(6) via check valve porting 1054′ from sixth port 160 to fifth port 150;and

(7) via check valve porting 1064′ from seventh port 170 to seventh port170.

Although not shown in this embodiment, top 400 can include an eighthselector port 180, and seventh port 170 can be fluidly connected toeighth port 180 in a first direction (i.e., from seventh port 170 toeighth port 180) through check valve porting 1084′. An eight selectorport 180 would allow valve 100 to be used with the seven tank embodimentdisclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Selector

FIGS. 27 and 28 are respectively top and bottom perspective views of oneembodiment of selector 300. FIGS. 29 and 30 are respectively is a sideand bottom views of selector 300. FIG. 31 is a top view of selector 300with FIG. 36 being a sectional view taken along the lines 32-32, andFIG. 33 being a sectional view taken along the lines 33-33.

Selector 300 generally can include upper 310 and lower 320 portions withan outer periphery 330 between upper 310 and lower 320 portions, alongwith rod 314 being attached to upper 310 section (shown in FIG. 12).Selector 300 can have a rotational axis 304. Arrow 316 schematicallyindicates relative rotation between selector 300 and top 400/body 200 ina clockwise direction.

Between upper 310 and lower 320 portions can be first 360 and second 370conduits. First conduit 360 can include first connector 362 which opensonto upper portion 310 and second connector 366 which opens onto lower320 portion. Second conduit 370 can include first connector 372 whichopens onto upper portion 310 and second connector 372 which opens ontolower 320 portion.

Lower portion 320 can include annular recess 390 which fluidly connectswith second conduct 370.

Lower portion 320 can also include trunnion connector 324 which will sitin trunnion recess 240 of body 200. Second connector 366 can open fromlower portion of trunnion 324.

To maintain a seal between selector 300 and body 200 seal recess 323 and325 along with seal components such as o-rings or other conventionallyavailable sealing can be included. To maintain a seal between selector300 and top 400 seal recess 321 and 322 along with seal components suchas o-rings or other conventionally available sealing can be included.

Sealing in recess 325 can fluidly seal the connection between firstconduit 360 and first selector port 260 of the second family of porting209. Both sealing in recess 323 and recess 325 can fluidly seal theconnection between second conduit 370 and second selector port 270 ofthe second family of porting 209.

Between first connector 362 of first conduit 360 and first connector 372of second conduit 370 can be angle 380 which as stated elsewhere ispreferably equal to the angular spacing between second connectors of thefirst family of selector ports 109.

Conventionally available sealing can be used for creating a seal betweenfirst connector 362 of first conduit 360 and its selected port of thefirst family of ports 109, along with first connector 372 of secondconduit 370 and its selected port of the first family of ports 109

By controlling the angular spacing 380 of the first connectors 362 and372 relative to the angular spacing for the second connectors of thefirst family of selecting ports 109, relative connections between thefirst family of selector ports 109 and the second family of selectorports 209 can be controlled varied. For example, if the angular spacing380 is the same then adjacent second connectors of the first family ofselector ports 109 will be fluidly connected with the second family ofselector ports 209. If the relative angular spacing is 2, then spacedapart second openings of the first family of selector ports 109 will befluidly connected to the second family of selector ports 209. If thespacing is 3 times, then twice spaced apart second openings of the firstfamily of selector ports 109 will be fluidly connected to the secondfamily of selector ports 209. For each multiple of spacing the formulaof [multiple−1]* spaced apart second openings of the first family ofselector ports 109 will be fluidly connected to the second family ofselector ports 209. In the case of 1−1, then no spaced apart connectionsare made, but adjacent second openings of the first family of selectorports 109 will be fluidly connected to the second family of selectorports 209.

Body

FIGS. 34 and 35 are respectively top and bottom perspective views of oneembodiment of body 200. FIGS. 36 and 37 are respectively side and bottomviews of body 200. FIG. 38 is a top view of body 200 with FIG. 39 beinga sectional view of body 200 taken along the lines 39-39.

Body 200 generally can include upper 210 and lower 220 portions with anouter periphery 214 between upper 210 and lower 220 portions, along witha selector recess 220 for rotationally attaching selector to body 200.Base 224 of recess 240 can also include trunnion recess 240 forrotationally connecting trunnion 324 of selector 300. With rotationalconnection selector 300 and body have a rotational axis 304. Arrow 316schematically indicates relative rotation between selector 300 and top400/body 200 in a clockwise direction.

Between base 224 of recess 220 and lower 220 portion can be first 260and second 270 selector ports. First selector port 260 can include firstconnector 262 which opens into the bottom of trunnion recess 240 andsecond connector 266 which opens into lower 220 portion. Second selectorport 270 can include first connector 272 which opens into base 224 ofrecess 240 and second connector 272 which opens into lower 220 portion.

To maintain a seal between body 200 and top 400 annual seal 216 withseal components such as o-rings or other conventionally availablesealing can be included. In one embodiment annular seal 216 can be usedto seal porting drill holes made for either check valve porting and/orselector porting of the first family of selector ports 109 in top 400.In other embodiments the extraneous drilling porting can be backfilledor sealed in other manner conventionally available.

Alternative Valve Constructions

FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a selectingvalve 100′ which is modified from the construction of the valve 100shown in FIG. 9 by having the selector porting of the first family ofselector ports 109′ (e.g., 101′, 110′, 120′, 130′, 140′, etc.) locatedin lower body 200 portion instead of the upper top 400. The secondfamily of selector porting 209′ can be substantially the same as inother embodiments. In this embodiment, the first 360′ and second 370′selector conduits have first 362′ and second 372′ connectors which openinto the outer periphery 330′ of selector 300′ instead of top 310′.

In this alternative valve 100′ check valve porting (e.g., 1014′, 1024′,1034′, 1044′, 1054′, 1064′, 1074′, etc.) is also located in and in lowerbody 200′ portion instead of the upper top 400′, and the check valveporting will similarly provide one way fluid paths between adjacentselector ports of the first family of selector porting 109′.

FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a selectingvalve 100″ which is modified from the construction of the valve 100shown in FIG. 9 by having the selector porting of the first family ofselector ports 109″ (e.g., 101″, 110″, 120′″, 130″, 140′″, etc.) locatedin lower body 200″ portion instead of the upper top 400″. The secondfamily of selector porting 209″ can be substantially the same as inother embodiments. In this embodiment, the first 360″ and second 370″selector conduits have first 362″ and second 372″ connectors which openinto the outer periphery 330″ of selector 300″ instead of top 410″.

In this alternative valve 100″ check valve porting (e.g., 1014″, 1024″,1034″, 1044″, 1054″, 1064″, 1074″, etc.) is also located in the lowerbody 200″ portion instead of the upper top 400″, and the check valveporting will similarly provide one way fluid paths between adjacentselector ports of the first family of selector porting 109″.

FIG. 41 shows one embodiment of a sealing mechanism between selector 300and the selector porting of the first family of selector porting 109′located in body 200 (e.g., FIG. 40). Similar sealing can be used forsealing when selector porting of the first family 109 is located in thetop 400 (e.g., FIG. 9). This sealing embodiment has a two sealingmembers which are biased towards each other.

FIG. 42 shows alternative selector 300 porting having two first conduits360 and 360′ with first connectors 362 and 362′, along with two secondconduits 370 and 370′ each having first connectors 372 and 372′. Theangular spacing between first connectors 362 and 362′ along with firstconnectors 372 and 372′ should be equal and the angular spacing betweenthe pair of first conduits 360,360′ and pair of second conduits 370,370′should be double the spacing between individual connectors.

FIG. 43 includes various embodiments of high pressure tubing connections1300 which can be used with one or more embodiments. High pressuretubing connections can include threaded connector 1310 with softersealing element 1320. Sealing element 1320 is preferably made of amaterial that is softer than flared tubing 1330 (e.g., teflon). Sealingelement 1320 can be placed in cavity 1340 and can be replaced ifdamaged. To implement this seal design, the cavity in the parentmaterial can be drilled and tapped, leaving the drill tip surface at thebottom of the cavity. This creates a sealing surface beyond the lengthof the threaded area for sealing element 1320 to press against therebycreating a seal. This design has the added advantage of creating asmooth internal bore between the cavity and the flared tubing as seen inthe bottom illustration of the elbow. This design has the addedadvantage of compactness because it does not require the use of aconventional adapter fitting which usually leaves a gap at the bottom ofthe cavity. That gap causes turbulence during high speed gas flow andsubsequent repeated thermal changes to the surrounding fitting,eventually causing it to leak.

Valve Embodiments

In one embodiment is provided a selecting valve 100 having a firstfamily of ports 109 having a plurality of ports (e.g., 101, 110, 120,130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and/or 170) and a second family of ports 209having a plurality of ports (e.g., 260 and 270), at selected option of auser a plurality of ports from the first family of ports beingselectively fluidly connectable with a plurality of ports of the secondfamily of ports 209.

In one embodiment the first family 109 has a plurality of ports. In oneembodiment the first family 109 has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 ports. In various embodiments thefirst family of ports 109 has between any two of the above specifiednumber of ports.

In one embodiment the second family of ports 209 has a plurality ofports. In one embodiment the second family has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 ports. In variousembodiments the second family of ports 209 has between any two of theabove specified number of ports.

In one embodiment the first family of ports 109 has two ports and thesecond family of ports 209 has 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 ports. In various embodiments the first family ofports 109 has two ports and the second family of ports 209 has betweenany two of the above specified number of ports.

In one embodiment the second family of ports 209 can be fluidlyconnected in a first direction by a plurality of one way valves (e.g.,1014, 1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084). In one embodimentthe one way valves can be a plurality of check valves. In one embodimentthe plurality of check valves can be ported in the top 400 of the valve100. In one embodiment the plurality of check valves can be ported inthe body 200 of the valve 100.

In one embodiment a selector 300 can be operatively connected to thefirst 109 and second family 209 of ports and used to selectively fluidlyconnect a first selected selector port (e.g., port 101) from the firstfamily 109 to a first selected first port (e.g., port 270) from thesecond family 209, and a first selected second selector port (e.g., port110) from the first family 109 to a first selected second selector port(e.g., port 260) from the second family 209. In one embodiment theselector 300 can be used to change the earlier selected connectionsbetween the first 109 and second 209 family of selector ports, toselectively fluidly change to a second selected selector port (e.g.,port 110) from the first family 109 to a selector port (e.g., port 270)from the second family 209, and a second selected second port (e.g.,port 120) from the first family 109 to a second selector port (e.g.,port 260) from the second family 209. In such a manner selector 300 canbe used to selectively change the selected connections between aplurality of selector ports from the first family of selector ports 109to a plurality of selector ports from the second family of selectorports 209.

In one embodiment the selector 300 is used to selectively switch thefluid connection between the first port from the first family 109 andthe first port from the second family 209 to the first port from thefirst family 109 to a third port from the second family 209, and fromthe second port from the first family 109 to a fourth port from thesecond family 209.

In one embodiment is provided a selecting valve 100 comprising a body200 having a first family of ports 109 having a plurality of ports(e.g., 101, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180) and a secondfamily of ports 209 having a plurality of ports (e.g., 260 and 270), anda selector 300 rotatably mounted with respect to the body 200, theselector 300 selectively fluidly connecting a first port from the firstfamily 109 to a first port from the second family 209 and a second portfrom the first family 109 to a second port from the second family 209,where the first and second ports in the first family 109 are differentports, and the first and second ports in the second family 209 aredifferent ports.

In one embodiment rotation of the selector 300 relative to the body 200(e.g., in the direction of arrow 316) selectively switches the fluidconnections between a first port from the first family 209 (and thefirst port from the second family 209) and a second port 209 from thefirst family 109 (and the second port from the second family 209) tofluidly connecting the first port from the first family 209 to a thirdport from the second family 209, and fluidly connecting the second portfrom the first family to a fourth port from the second family 209.

In one embodiment the selector 300 has a circular cross section and isrotationally connected to the body 200. In one embodiment the selector300 has a rotational axis 304 relative to the body 200. In oneembodiment the selector 300 has at least one trunnion 324 whichrotationally connects the selector 300 to the body 200.

In one embodiment the first port 260 of the second family 209 includesan opening which fluidly connects with the selector 300 at theintersection of the rotational axis 304 of the selector 300 relative tothe body 200. In one embodiment the second port 270 of the second familyincludes a fluid connection with the selector 300 that is spaced apartfrom the rotational axis 304 of the selector 300 relative to the body200. In one embodiment the fluid connection between the selector 300 andthe second port 270 of the second family 209 includes an annular recess(e.g., 390 in selector 300 and/or 390′ in body 200) the annular recessbeing circular with its center aligned with the rotational axis 304between the selector 300 and the body 200. In one embodiment the annularrecess 390 is in the selector 300. In one embodiment the annular recess390′ is in the body 200. In one embodiment mating annular recesses 390and 390′ are located in the selector 300 and the body 200.

In one embodiment the selector 300 includes first and second selectorfluid conduits (360 and 370), with the first selector fluid conduit 360having first 362 and second 366 port connectors and the second selectorfluid conduit 370 having first 372 and second port 376 connectors.

In one embodiment the first family of ports 109 includes a plurality ofconduits (e.g., 101, 110, 120,130,140,150, 160, 170, and 180) havingfirst (e.g., 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162,172, and 182) and secondconnectors (e.g., 106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, and 186) withthe second opening of each of the ports being located on a circle havingits center located on the relative axis of rotation 304 between theselector 300 and the body 200, and with the angular spacing (e.g., 117,127, 137, 147, 157, 167, 177, and 187) between adjacent secondconnectors (e.g., 106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, and 186) beingthe same, and the selector 300 having first 360 and second 370 conduitseach having first and second connectors (first conduit 360 having firstconnector 362 and second connector; and second conduit 370 having firstconnector 372 and second connector 376), with the first connectors 362and 372 of the first 360 and second 370 conduits being located on acircle having its center located on the relative axis of rotation 304between the selector 300 and the body 200, and the angular spacing 380between the first connectors 362 and 372 of the first and secondconduits 360 and 370 being a multiple of the angular spacing betweenadjacent second openings of the second family of ports 109. In oneembodiment the angular spacing between the first connectors 362 and 372of the first 360 and second 370 conduits is the same as the angularspacing between adjacent second openings of the first family of ports109. In various embodiments the multiple is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,and/or 10. In various embodiments the multiple a set of integers fallingwithin a range of any two of the above specified integers.

In one embodiment, regardless of the relative angular position betweenthe selector 300 and the body 200, the second port connector 366 of thefirst selector conduit 360 of the selector 300 remains fluidly connectedto the first port 260 of the second family of ports 209. In oneembodiment, regardless of the relative angular position between theselector 300 and the body 200, the second port connector 376 of thesecond selector conduit 300 remains fluidly connected to the second port270 of the second family of ports 209.

In one embodiment, regardless of the relative angular position betweenthe selector 300 and the body 200, the second port connector 366 of thefirst selector conduit 360 of the selector 300 remains fluidly connectedto the first port 260 of the second family of ports 209; and the secondport connector 376 of the second selector conduit 300 remains fluidlyconnected to the second port 270 of the second family of ports 209.

In one embodiment relative angular movement between the selector 300 andthe body 20 causes one of the second port connectors (e.g., 376) of theplurality of conduits (conduits 360 and 370) of the selector 300 to movein an arc having a substantially uniform radius of curvature about theaxis of rotation 304 between the selector 300 and the body 200. In oneembodiment, relative angular movement greater than 360 degrees causesone of the second port connectors (e.g., 376) of the plurality ofconduits (conduits 360 and 370) of the selector 300 to move in a circlehaving a radius, while another second port connector (e.g., 366) of thefirst selector conduit 360 rotates in a single spot about the rotationalaxis 304 between the selector 300 and the body 200.

In one embodiment relative angular movement of the selector 300 withrespect to body 200 causes a first selector port of the first family ofselector ports 109 to be connected to a first selector port of thesecond family of selector ports 209 and a second selector port of thefirst family of selector ports 109 to be connected to a second selectorport of the second family of selector ports, where both the first andsecond selector ports of the first family are different, and the firstand second selector ports of the second family are different.

In one embodiment, relative angular rotation of selector with respect tobody of less than the angular spacing between the adjacent secondopenings of the first family of selector ports 109 causes the first andsecond conduits of the selector 300 to change from being fluidlyconnected to being fluidly with the first family of selector ports 109,but such conduits remain fluidly connected with the second family ofselector ports 209.

Below will be provided with various examples of system 10 performingsteps in various embodiments of the method which include: (A) initialfilling of storage tank array 1000 with compressed gaseous fuel; (B)using system 10 to fill a vehicle (e.g., offloading); and (C) refreshingstorage tank array 1000 after offloading to be ready for another fill.In this section the term Work Adjusted Volumetric Efficiency (WAVE)methodology will be used as a general label for using a method andapparatus for compressing gases in a staged method with recompressing atleast part of the same gas from a first storage medium, to a secondstorage medium, to a third storage medium, and beyond wherein previouslycompressed gas is used again as the suction gas in compressor 500 tocompress in second, third, etc. stages above the earlier stage'scompression pressure points. The storage media described in thisembodiment include storage tanks.

By using tanks of progressively higher staged pressures, a singlecompressor 500 can be used to progressively compress gas to higher andhigher staged pressures notwithstanding the fact that the maximumcompression rating for such compressor is less than the higher stagepressures. In fact, increasing the number of stages can allow compressor500 to multiply its effective maximum compression because, with respectto each stage, the compressor itself only sees the difference betweenits inlet/suction/source pressure and outlet/discharge pressures.

General Overview of Initial Fill Process for System 10 with an EightStaged Tank System

This section will describe just a brief overview of system 10 (fillingthe storage tanks or other device/medium), using Work AdjustedVolumetric Efficiency (WAVE) methodology for transferring compressed gasinto the storage medium (tanks) through the compressor 500.

1. The described example fill process represents the initial filling ofthe staged storage tank array 1000. This type of fill process isgenerally only accomplished one time since staged storage tank array1000 likely will not be subsequently completely depleted. The RefreshPhase (refilling) of the only partially depleted staged storage tankarray 1000 represents a gain in overall full process functionalitybecause the system is likely never fully depleted of the stored energy.It is understood that the accomplishment of the compressor work using asingle very small horse powered compressor 500, incrementallycompressing multiple tanks in a pressurized staged tank array (inessence simulating the existence of other stages of a multiple stagedcompressor), will increase total system efficiency as the number ofstages are accomplished, within a given tank and across the entirestaged tank array 1000.

3. FIGS. 44-59 depict typical system Fill, Off-load and Refresh ProcessWAVE methodologies of efficiently storing the gas at ever increasingenergy storage levels. This example represents the first and only timesystem 10 needs to be completely filled. A preferred embodiment ofsystem 10 generally does not deplete the tank gas volumes in the stagedpressurized tank array 1000, but can depending upon the need. Theseremaining system stored energy-states (in staged pressures of tank array1000 used as suction sources for compressor 500) greatly benefit thesubsequent compression, storage and off-loading process systemefficiencies.

Initial System 10 Fill Process Stage 1 WAVE Position 1

1. In this stage the first tank 1010 of the staged pressure tank array1000 will be filled by compressor 500 to a first predefined set pointpressure (SP1) of 150 psig. There currently is no pressure (0 psi) inany of the tanks of storage tank array 1000, compressor 500, tubing, orvalves.

2. Ambient temperature exists for all components (conservativelyaccepted to be 80 degrees F.). For the purposes of this methoddescription, it is assumed that the pressure deltas across the valve 100internal check valves and ports (e.g., check valves 1014, 1024, 1034,etc.) is not accounted for in the text description so as to more easilydescribe the subsequent pressure changes in the higher compressed tankstages (such as between individual tanks 1010, 1020, 1030, etc. instorage tank array). It is noted that prototype valve 100 internal checkvalves have a release spring delta pressure of about 3 psi each.Accordingly, as the disclosed Fill, Off-load, and/or Refresh processesare described, the WAVE gas moving between staged tanks 1010, 1020,1030, etc. through the one way valves (e.g., check valves 1014, 1024,1034, etc.) to the subsequent next higher staged tanks will be 3 psiless for each subsequently higher staged tank.

3. The source gas valve 17 between the external gas supply 16 is openedand gas flows to zero port 101 of valve 100 and is routed through firstselector port 270 of second family of ports 209 into compressor 500hermetic housing 504 (either as shown in FIG. 8 of going directly intothe interior of housing 504; or, although not shown in FIG. 8, inalternative embodiments bypassing interior of housing 504 and going intocompression chamber 570, but then chamber 270 discharging compressedgases into the interior of housing 504 before the compressed gasesleaving compressor 500 through output 520).

4. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be initially rotated to the firstposition for pressurizing staged tank array 1000 null position (i.e.,Position 1). A motor can be operatively connected to stem 314 of valve100 and operatively connected to controller 2000 allowing for selectivepositioning of selector 300 in valve 100, and thereby control whichports in first family ports 109 will be fluidly connected to which portsin second family of ports 209. In Position 1, selector port zero 101 offirst family 109 is connected to second selector port 270 of secondfamily 209, and first selector port 260 of second family 209 isconnected to first port 110 of first family. Because second selectorport 270 of second family is connected to inlet or suction 510 ofcompressor 500, inlet 16 at this stage will serve as the suction gas forcompressor 500. Because first selector port 270 of second family 209 isconnector to outlet or discharge 520 of compressor, at this stage firsttank 1010 will receive the discharge of compressor 500.

Because check valves 1014, 1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084respectively fluidly connect in a one way (e.g., increasing) directiontanks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 to each other(tank 1010 to 1020, 1020 to 1030, 1030 to 1040, 1040 to 1050, 1050 to1060, 1060 to 1070, and 1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressure gas toflow from lower numbered staged tanks in tank array 1000 to highernumbered tanks assuming that the minimum check valve activation pressurecan be overcome, inlet gas 16 is compressed and, although primarilydischarging to tank 1010 (through first port 110), compressor 500discharge gas also indirectly flows also into tanks 1020, 1030,1040,1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080.

NOTE: The safety shutoffvalves (e.g., 1013, 1023, 1033, 1043, 1053,1063, 1073, and 1083) to the storage tanks are operated correspondinglyto the associated need for such valves to be opened/closed for theirparticular operational need, and are not further discussed in thissection.

5. Compressor 500 is turned on.

6. Time 0 minutes, temperature ambient-compressed gas begins to flowfrom the Compressor 500 through line 520, through separator 40, throughline 521, through valve 524, through valve 528, through line 522, tosecond port 260 in the middle of the valve 100, through selector 300,and as described above through each of the internal check valves (1014,1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084) since each of the highernumbered tanks (tank 1010 to 1020, 1020 to 1030, 1030 to 1040, 1040 to1050, 1050 to 1060, 1060 to 1070, and 1070 to 1080 are at less pressurethan its connected lower numbered tank. In one embodiment, the chargegas temperature for valve 100 never exceeds approximately 110 degrees F.

7. The discharge gas from compressor 500 effluent enters each of theeight tanks of storage tank array 1000 substantially simultaneously. Thepressure in storage tank array 1000 slowly and relatively uniformlyrises from approximately 0 to 150 psig. Throughout this range ofpressure rise, the temperature of the gas within compressor chamber 570of compressor 500, structural housing 504 and within the downstream tankarray 1000, rises. Due to the nature of system 10's process, the latentheat of compression is substantially reduced by volumetric sizing of thesystem, tanks and the process accomplishment speed. In preferredembodiments no added external cooling is needed to lower the gastemperature back to ambient. In one embodiment achievement of a totalsystem efficiency is subject to compressor 500 being optimally designedand subjected to its relationship to a horsepower to displacement ratio,to volumetric efficiency to system tank size, to system delivery rate,and to a system recovery rate parametric study. Therefore in such anoptimized embodiment the single stage compressor 500 is able toaccomplish single stage compression process steps that yield improvedtotal system efficiency improvements of a multi-stage compressor (e.g.,ever increasing efficiency from ever increasing stage eight, nine, ten .. . stage compressor).

8. At approximately 8.3 hours the pressure in each of the tanks in tankarray 1000 has reached a system stage 1 set point pressure stage 1 (SP1)of 150 psig. Note: Tank 1010 of the staged tank array 1000 is the firststage tank, and system 10 is now ready to proceed to step two bypressurizing higher numbered staged pressure tanks 1020, 1030, 1040,1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 to the second predefined staged set pointpressure stage 2 (SP2) using the gas in the first stage of operation(i.e., the compressed gas in first tank 1010 which was compressed to thefirst predefined staged pressure SP1 which in this embodiment is 150psig) and compressor 500 will further compress gas to higher numberedtanks in the tank array.

Stage 2 WAVE Position 2

9. In this stage the first tank 1010 in staged tank array 1000 will beused as the suction source for compressor 500 in filling higher stagesof staged tank array 1000. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to rotatefrom Position 1 to position two (i.e., Position 2). In Position 2, firstselector port 110 of first family 109 is connected to second selectorport 270 of second family 209, and second selector port 260 of secondfamily 209 is connected to second port 120 of first family 109. Gas fromtank 1010 at this stage will serve as the suction gas for compressor500, and second tank 1020 will receive the discharge of compressor 500.Because check valves 1024, 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084respectively fluidly connect in a one way (e.g., increasing) directiontanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 to each other (tank 1030 to1040, 1040 to 1050, 1050 to 1060, 1060 to 1070, and 1070 to 1080)allowing higher pressure gas to flow from lower numbered tanks to highernumbered tanks assuming that the minimum check valve activation pressurecan be overcome. At this stage gas from tank 1010, although primarilydischarging to tank 1020 (through second port 110), Compressor 500discharge gas also indirectly flows also into tanks 1030, 1040, 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080. Because tank 1020 is at a higher pressure thantank 1010, check valve 1014 will prevent flow from tank 1020 to tank1010.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 150 psig gas of tank 1010 to compress into tanks 1020,1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1010 drops to a predefined first tank setpoint lower pressure (SP1.1) which in this embodiment can be 100 psig.However, it should be noted that SP1.1 is predetermined such that it canbe the most efficient pressure point, given the challenge of system 10'scompressor 500 to compress with varying higher differential pressures.During this stage as shown in FIG. 8, it is noted that compressor 500 ishermetically sealed, and the rear of piston 560 of compressor 500 seesthe inlet pressure (i.e., the pressure of being fed by tank 1010) andthe discharge 520 sees the pressure in tanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080. Accordingly, in this second stage when thepressure in tank 1010 drops to 100 psig the differential pressure thatcompressor 500 is attempting to compress over is equal to the backpressure of the higher numbered tanks less than the pressure in thecurrent suction tank 1010. Although not shown in FIG. 8, in variousembodiments input or suction line 510 of compressor 500 can bypassinterior of housing 504 and go into compression chamber 570, but thencompression chamber 570 output 574 can discharge compressed gases intothe interior of housing 504 before such compressed gases leave interiorof housing 504 through check valve 575 and output or discharge line 520.

It is noted that SP1.1 can also be chosen such that the transferred gas'temperature returns to ambient, the piston housing's 504 oil bathtemperature lowers because the compressor 500 is no longer compressingat its higher horsepower loading.

10. Once tank 1010 reaches SP1.1, system 10 now proceeds back a step togain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1010 up to SP1. Controller2000 causes stem 314 of valve 100 to be rotated to Position 1 and 0.5psig is waiting at port zero 101.

11. Compressor 500 is now taking gas from inlet 16 at 0.5 psig andcompressing this gas against the 100 psig in tank 1010 until thepressure of tank 1010 rises above the pressure seen in tank 1020 (andhigher numbered tanks in tank array 1000 via one way check valves). Thegas exiting compressor 500 is approximately 110 degrees F., and quicklycools to 70 degrees as it expands into the tanks. Compressor 500 usesinlet 16 gas at 0.5 psig to again fill tank 1010 with compressed gas atSP1 of 150 psig, and then controller 2000 moves valve 100 to Position 2to cause tank 1010 to be the suction for compressor 500 when compressinggas as described in step 9.

12. The process of:

(a) using tank 1010 as the suction gas source for compressor 500 whencompressing to higher staged tanks in tank array 1000 (tanks 1020, 1030,1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080) until the pressure of now source tank1010 SP1.1 drops to 100 psig; and then

(b) switching valve 100 to Position 1 where home source 16 becomes thesuction pressure source for compressor 500 and tank 1010 becomes thedischarge until tank 1010 is refilled to its SP1 pressure of 150 psig:and then

(c) switching valve 100 to Position 2 where tank 1010 is again thesuction source for compressor 500 to compress gas to higher staged tanksin tank array 1000 until the next staged tank 1020 in tank array 1000reaches a desired staged set point pressure (SP2) of 650 psig.

Taking about 22.5 minutes. For compressor 500 to use home source 16 tofill first tank 1010 to its SP1 pressure of 150 psi., repeating steps9(a), (b), and (c) 63 times, at an approximate rate of 22.5 minutes persequence of steps (a), (b), and (c); the time line for bringing the nextstaged tank 1020, and the subsequently higher stage tanks 1030, 1040,1050, 1060, 1070 and 1080 in tank array 1000 to desired staged set pointpressure (SP2) of 650 psig takes approximately 23.7 hours to complete,for a cumulative time period for compression Stage 1 and Stage 2run-time is about 32 hours. Now, when SP2 of 650 psig is achieved intank 1020, and system 10 is ready to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3, theactual pressure in first staged tank 1010 will be somewhere between itspredefined SP1 of 150 psig and predefined lower SP1.1 of 100 psig.

Stage 3 WAVE Position 3

13. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. In this stage the second tank1020 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to athird predefined staged pressure set point (SP3) which in thisembodiment is 1,150 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto position three (i.e., Position 3). In Position 3, second selectorport 120 of first family 109 is connected to second selector port 270 ofsecond family 209, and selector port 260 of second family 209 isconnected to third port 130 of first family 109. Gas from tank 1020 atthis stage will serve as the suction gas for compressor 500, and thirdtank 1030 will receive the discharge of compressor 500. Because checkvalves 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084 respectively fluidlyconnect in a one way (e.g., increasing) direction tanks 1040, 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080 to each other (tank 1030 to 1040, 1040 to 1050,1050 to 1060, 1060 to 1070, and 1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressuregas to flow from lower numbered tanks to higher numbered tanks assumingthat the minimum check valve activation pressure can be overcome. Atthis stage gas from tank 1020 is compressed and, although primarilydischarging to tank 1030 (through third port 130), Compressor 500discharge gas also indirectly flows also into tanks 1040, 1050, 1060,1070, and 1080. Because tank 1030 is at a higher pressure than tank1020, check valve 1024 will prevent flow from tank 1030 to tank 1020.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 650 psig gas of tank 1020 to compress into tanks 1030,1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run untilthe pressure in tank 1020 drops to a predefined second tank set pointlower pressure (SP2.1) which in this embodiment can be 350 psig.However, it should be noted that SP2.1 is predetermined such that it canbe the most efficient pressure point, given the challenge system 10'scompressor 500 has to compress varying higher differential pressures.During this stage it is noted that compressor 500 is hermeticallysealed, and the rear of piston 560 of compressor 500 sees the inletpressure (i.e., the pressure of being fed by tank 1020) and thedischarge 520 sees the pressure in tanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070,and 1080. Accordingly, in this third stage when the pressure in tank1020 drops to 350 psig the differential that compressor 500 isattempting to compress over is equal to the back pressure of the highernumbered tanks less the pressure in the current suction tank 1020.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1020drops to SP2.1 at 350 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system 10moves back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1020 upto its predefined SP2. Such stepping back or forward in the process iscalled a wave, and system 10 has a choice of whether to make theimmediately preceeding staged tank in tank array as the suction sourcefor compressor 500 or go back to the initial suction source of home gas16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back multiple steps to homesource 16 is disclosed.

Stage 1 WAVE

14. First staged tank 1010 is some amount between its predefined SP1 of150 psig and predefined lower SP1.1 of 100 psig, and will be broughtback up to its SP1 of 150 psig. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 withhome source 16 as suction and first staged tank 1010 as discharge forcompressor 500. Gas at ambient temperature from the external supply at0.5 psig flows through port 101 to the Compressor 500 hermetic housing504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the 0.5 psig gas tocompress into tank 1010 until tank 1010 reaches its predefined SP1 of150 psig so that tank 1010 can be used as suction for the next stagedcompression step.

Stage 2 WAVE

15. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 with first staged tank 1010 asthe suction and second staged tank 1020 as the discharge. Gas at ambienttemp from tank 1010 at 150 psig flows through compressor 500 hermetichousing 504 and is compressed into tank 1020 which starts initially atthe lower second stage predefined set point SP2.2. of 350 psig. Becauseat this point higher staged tanks are at least at 650 psig, 1034, 1044,1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084 respectively do not allow gas to flow throughthe check valve porting to the higher staged tanks and gas only flowsfrom discharge into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1010 drops to SP1.1 at 100 psig. Notethat the accomplishment of Step 14 and 15 takes approximately 27 minutesand accomplishes a 65 psig differential pressure increase into secondstaged tank 1020.

16. Steps 14 and 15 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.2 hours

17. All steps above in Stage 3 are repeated 9 times over a 20 hourperiod and this brings the pressures of staged pressure tanks 1030,1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080 up to 1150 psig which in thisembodiment is the predefined third staged pressure set point (SP3). Eachof the nine Stage 3 process sub-steps provides an approximately 55 psigpressure gain in the higher staged tanks.

Stage 4 WAVE Position 4

18. The valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. In this stage the third tank1030 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to afourth predefined staged pressure set point (SP4) which in thisembodiment is 1,650 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto Position 4 wherein third selector port 130 of first family 109 isconnected to second selector port 270 of second family 209, and selectorport 260 of second family 209 is connected to fourth port 140 of firstfamily 109. Gas from tank 1030 at this stage will serve as the suctiongas for compressor 500, and fourth tank 1040 will receive the dischargeof compressor 500. Because check valves 1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084respectively fluidly connect in a one way (e.g., increasing) directiontanks 1060, 1070, and 1080 to each other (tank 1040 to 1050, 1050 to1060, 1060 to 1070, and 1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressure gas toflow from lower numbered tanks to higher numbered tanks assuming thatthe minimum check valve activation pressure can be overcome) at thisstage gas from tank 1030 is compressed and, although primarilydischarging to tank 1040 (through fourth port 140), compressor 500discharge gas also indirectly flows also into tanks 1060, 1070, and1080. Because tank 1040 is at a higher pressure than tank 1030, checkvalve 1044 will prevent flow from tank 1040 to tank 1030.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 1150 psig gas of tank 1030 to compress into tanks 1040,1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1030 drops to a predefined third tank set point lowerpressure (SP3.1) which in this embodiment can be 850 psig. However, itshould be noted that SP3.1 is predetermined such that it can be the mostefficient pressure point, given the challenge system 10's compressor 500to compress varying-higher differential pressures. During this stage itis noted that compressor 500 is hermetically sealed, and the rear ofpiston 560 of compressor 500 sees the inlet pressure (i.e., the pressureof being fed by tank 1030) and the discharge 520 sees the pressure intanks 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Accordingly, in this fourthstage when the pressure in tank 1030 drops to SP3.1 the differentialthat compressor 500 is attempting to compress over is equal to the backpressure of the higher numbered tanks less than the pressure in thecurrent suction tank 1030.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1030drops to SP3.1 at 850 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system 10proceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1030up to its predefined SP3. The system wave has a choice of whether tomake the immediately preceeding staged tank in tank array as the suctionsource for compressor 500 or go back to the initial suction source ofhome gas 16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back to multiple stepsto home source 16 is disclosed. System 10 now proceeds back a step togain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1030 up to SP3, andinitiates waves which repeat steps comprising portions of the stepsdisclosed in fill Stages 1, 2 and 3

Stage 1 WAVE

19. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 (external source 16 suction/firsttank 1010 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from theexternal supply 16 at 0.5 psig flows through zero selector port 101 tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and is compressed into first stagedtank 1010. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 achieves SP1 at 150 psig at which point system 10 enters wave 2.

Stage 2 WAVE

20. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 (first tank 1010 suction/secondtank 1020 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank firststaged 1010 of 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in first staged tank 1010 drops toSP1.1 of 100 psig.

21. Steps 19 and 20 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.3 hours

Stage 3 WAVE

22. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3 (second tank 1020 suction/thirdtank 1030 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1020at SP2 of 650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into third staged tank 1030. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in second staged tank 1020 drops toSP2.1 of 350 psig.

23. All steps above in Stage 4 are repeated 8 times over an 18 hourperiod and this brings the pressure of staged tanks 1040, 1050, 1060,1070, 1080 up to 1650 psig, SP4. Each of the 8 process steps isincreases higher staged pressures by about 62 psig.

Stage 5 WAVE Position 5

24. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. In this stage the fourth tank1040 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to afifth predefined staged pressure set point (SP5) which in thisembodiment is 2,150 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto Position 5, wherein fourth selector port 140 of first family 109 isconnected to second selector port 270 of second family 209, and selectorport 260 of second family 209 is connected to fifth port 150 of firstfamily 109. Gas from tank 1040 at this stage will serve as the suctiongas for compressor 500, and fifth tank 1050 will receive the dischargeof compressor 500. Because check valves 1064, 1074, and 1084respectively fluidly connect in a one way (e.g., increasing) directiontanks 1060, 1070, and 1080 to each other (tank 1050 to 1060, 1060 to1070, and 1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressure gas to flow from lowernumbered tanks to higher numbered tanks assuming that the minimum checkvalve activation pressure can be overcome at this stage gas from tank1040 is compressed and, although primarily discharging to tank 1050(through fifth port 150), compressor 500 discharge gas also indirectlyflows also into tanks 1060, 1070, and 1080. Because tank 1050 is at ahigher pressure than tank 1040, check valve 1044 will prevent flow fromtank 1050 to tank 1040.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 1650 psig gas of tank 1040 to compress into tanks 1050,1060, 1070, and 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressurein tank 1040 drops to a fourth predefined tank set point lower pressure(SP4.1) which in this embodiment can be 1,350 psig. However, it shouldbe noted that SP4.1 is predetermined such that it can be the mostefficient pressure point, given the challenge system 10's compressor 500to compress varying-higher differential pressures. During this stage itis noted that compressor 500 is hermetically sealed, and the rear ofpiston 560 of compressor 500 sees the inlet pressure (i.e., the pressureof being fed by tank 1030) and the discharge 520 sees the pressure intanks 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Accordingly, in this fourth stage whenthe pressure in tank 1040 drops to SP4.1 the differential thatcompressor 500 is attempting to compress over is equal to the backpressure of the higher numbered tanks less than the pressure in thecurrent suction tank 1040.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1040drops to SP4.1 at 1,150 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system10 proceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank1040 up to its predefined SP4. The system wave has a choice of whetherto make the immediately preceeding staged tank in tank array as thesuction source for compressor 500 or go back to the initial suctionsource of external gas 16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back tomultiple steps to external source 16 is disclosed. System 10 nowproceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1040up to SP4, and initiates waves which repeat of steps comprising portionsof the steps disclosed in fill Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Stage 1 WAVE

25. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 (external source 16 suction/firsttank 1010 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from theexternal supply 16 at 0.5 psig flows through zero selector port 101 tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and is compressed into first stagedtank 1010. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 achieves SP1 at 150 psig at which point system 10 enters wave 2.

Stage 2 WAVE

26. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 (first tank 1010 suction/secondtank 1020 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank firststaged 1010 of 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in first staged tank 1010 drops toSP1.1 of 100 psig.

27. Steps 26 and 27 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.4 hours

Stage 3 WAVE

28. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3 (second tank 1020 suction/thirdtank 1030 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1020at SP2 of 650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into third staged tank 1030. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in second staged tank 1020 drops toSP2.1 of 350 psig.

Stage 4 WAVE

29. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4 (third tank 1030 suction/fourthtank 1040 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1030at SP3 of 1,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fourth staged tank 1040. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in third staged tank 1030 drops toSP3.1 of 850 psig. Now system 10 proceeds back a step to gain additionalmoles of gas to refill third staged tank 1030 up to SP3 of 1,150 psig.

30. All steps above in Stage 5 are repeated 6 times over a 14 hourperiod and this brings the pressure of tanks SP5 of 2,150 psig for tanks1050, 1060, 1070, 1080. Each of the six stage 5 process steps isapproximately 83 psig.

Stage 6 WAVE Position 6

31. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. In this stage the fifth tank1050 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to asixth predefined staged pressure set point (SP6) which in thisembodiment is 2,650 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto Position 6, wherein fifth selector port 150 of first family 109 isconnected to second selector port 270 of second family 209, and selectorport 260 of second family 209 is connected to sixth port 160 of firstfamily 109. Gas from tank 1050 at this stage will serve as the suctiongas for compressor 500, and sixth tank 1060 will receive the dischargeof compressor 500. Because check valves 1074, and 1084 respectivelyfluidly connect in a one way (e.g., increasing) direction tanks 1070 and1080 to each other (tank 1060 to 1070 and 1070 to 1080) allowing higherpressure gas to flow from lower numbered tanks to higher numbered tanksassuming that the minimum check valve activation pressure can beovercome. At this stage gas from tank 1050 is compressed and, althoughprimarily discharging to tank 1060 (through sixth port 160), compressor500 discharge gas also indirectly flows into tanks 1070 and 1080.Because tank 1060 is at a higher pressure than tank 1050, check valve1064 will prevent flow from tank 1060 to tank 1050.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 2,150 psig gas of tank 1050 to compress into tanks 1060,1070, and 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1050 drops to a fifth predefined tank set point lower pressure(SP5.1) which in this embodiment can be 1,850 psig. However, it shouldbe noted that SP5.1 is predetermined such that it can be the mostefficient pressure point, given the challenge system 10's compressor 500to compress varying-higher differential pressures. During this stage itis noted that compressor 500 is hermetically sealed, and the rear ofpiston 560 of compressor 500 sees the inlet pressure (i.e., the pressureof being fed by tank 1050) and the discharge 520 sees the pressure intanks 1060, 1070, and 1080. Accordingly, in this sixth stage when thepressure in tank 1050 drops to SP5.1 the differential that compressor500 is attempting to compress over is equal to the back pressure of thehigher numbered tanks less than the pressure in the current suction tank1050.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1050drops to SP5.1 at 1,850 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system10 proceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank1050 up to its predefined SP5. The system wave has a choice of whetherto make the immediately preceding staged tank in tank array as thesuction source for compressor 500 or go back to the initial suctionsource of external gas 16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back tomultiple steps to external source 16 is disclosed. System 10 nowproceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1050up to SP5, and initiates waves which repeat steps comprising portions ofthe steps disclosed in fill Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Stage 1 WAVE

32. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 (external source 16 suction/firsttank 1010 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from theexternal supply 16 at 0.5 psig flows through zero selector port 101 tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and is compressed into first stagedtank 1010. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 achieves SP1 at 150 psig at which point system 10 enters wave 2.

Stage 2 WAVE

33. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 (first tank 1010 suction/secondtank 1020 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank firststaged 1010 of 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in first staged tank 1010 drops toSP1.1 of 100 psig.

34. Steps 32 and 33 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.5 hours

Stage 3 WAVE

35. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3 (second tank 1020 suction/thirdtank 1030 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1020at SP2 of 650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into third staged tank 1030. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in second staged tank 1020 drops toSP2.1 of 350 psig.

Stage 4 WAVE

36. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4 (third tank 1030 suction/fourthtank 1040 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1030at SP3 of 1,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fourth staged tank 1040. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in third staged tank 1030 drops toSP3.1 of 850 psig.

Stage 5 WAVE

37A. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5 (fourth tank 1040 suction/fifthtank 1050 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1040at SP3 of 1,650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fifth staged tank 1050. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fourth staged tank 1040 drops toSP4.1 of 1,350 psig.

Stage 6 WAVE

37B. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6 (fifth tank 1050 suction/sixthtank 1060 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1050at SP5 of 2,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into sixth staged tank 1060. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fifth staged tank 1050 drops toSP5.1 of 1,850 psig.

38. All steps above in Stage 6 are repeated 4 times over a 10 hourperiod and this brings the pressure of stages tanks up to the sixthpredefined staged pressure point of 2,650 psig (tanks 1060, 1070, and1080). Each of the four stage 6 process steps is approximately 125 psig.

Stage 7 WAVE Position 7

39. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. In this stage the sixth tank1060 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to aseventh predefined staged pressure set point (SP7) which in thisembodiment is 3,150 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto Position 7, wherein sixth selector port 160 of first family 109 isconnected to second selector port 270 of second family 209, and selectorport 260 of second family 209 is connected to seventh port 170 of firstfamily 109. Gas from tank 1060 at this stage will serve as the suctiongas for compressor 500, and seventh tank 1070 will receive the dischargeof compressor 500. Because check valve 1084 fluidly connects in a oneway (e.g., increasing) direction tanks 1070 and 1080 to each other (tank1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressure gas to flow from lower numberedtank 1070 to higher numbered tank 1080, assuming that the minimum checkvalve activation pressure can be overcome, at this stage gas from tank1060 is compressed and, although primarily discharging to tank 1070(through seventh port 170), compressor 500 discharge gas also indirectlyflows into tank 1080. Because tank 1070 is at a higher pressure thantank 1060, check valve 1074 will prevent flow from tank 1070 to tank1060.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 2,650 psig gas of tank 1060 to compress into tanks 1070 and1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1060drops to a sixth predefined tank set point lower pressure (SP6.1) whichin this embodiment can be 2,350 psig. However, it should be noted thatSP6.1 is predetermined such that it can be the most efficient pressurepoint, given the challenge system 10's compressor 500 to compressvarying-higher differential pressures. During this stage it is notedthat compressor 500 is hermetically sealed, and the rear of piston 560of compressor 500 sees the inlet pressure (i.e., the pressure of beingfed by tank 1060) and the discharge 520 sees the pressure in tanks 1070and 1080. Accordingly, in this seventh stage when the pressure in tank1060 drops to SP6.1 the differential that compressor 500 is attemptingto compress over is equal to the back pressure of the higher numberedtanks less than the pressure in the current suction tank 1060.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1060drops to SP6.1 at 2,350 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system10 proceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank1060 up to its predefined SP6. The system wave has a choice of whetherto make the immediately preceding staged tank in tank array as thesuction source for compressor 500 or go back to the initial suctionsource of external gas 16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back tomultiple steps to external source 16 is disclosed. System 10 nowproceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1060up to SP6, and initiates waves which repeat of steps comprising portionsof the steps disclosed in fill Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Stage 1 WAVE

40. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 (external source 16 suction/firsttank 1010 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from theexternal supply 16 at 0.5 psig flows through zero selector port 101 tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and is compressed into first stagedtank 1010. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 achieves SP1 at 150 psig at which point system 10 enters wave 2.

Stage 2 WAVE

41. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 (first tank 1010 suction/secondtank 1020 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank firststaged 1010 of 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in first staged tank 1010 drops toSP1.1 of 100 psig.

42. Steps 40 and 41 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.5 hours

Stage 3 WAVE

43. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3 (second tank 1020 suction/thirdtank 1030 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1020at SP2 of 650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into third staged tank 1030. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in second staged tank 1020 drops toSP2.1 of 350 psig. Now system 10 proceeds back a step to gain additionalmoles of gas to refill second staged tank 1020 up to SP2 of 650 psig.

Stage 4 WAVE

44. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4 (third tank 1030 suction/fourthtank 1040 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1030at SP3 of 1,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fourth staged tank 1040. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in third staged tank 1030 drops toSP3.1 of 850 psig.

Stage 5 WAVE

45. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5 (fourth tank 1040 suction/fifthtank 1050 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1040at SP3 of 1,650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fifth staged tank 1050. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fourth staged tank 1040 drops toSP4.1 of 1,350 psig.

Stage 6 WAVE

46. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6 (fifth tank 1050 suction/sixthtank 1060 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1050at SP5 of 2,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into sixth staged tank 1060. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fifth staged tank 1050 drops toSP5.1 of 1,850 psig.

47. All steps above in Stage 7 are repeated 3 times over a 7 hour periodand this brings the pressure of staged tanks 1070 1080 up to the seventhpredefined staged pressure point SP7 of 3,650 psig (tanks 1070 and1080). Each of the three stage 7 process steps is approximately 165psig.

Stage 8 WAVE Position 8

48. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. In this stage the seventh tank1070 in staged tank array 1000 will be used as the suction source forcompressor 500 in filling higher stages of staged tank array 1000 to aneighth predefined staged pressure set point (SP8) which in thisembodiment is 3,650 psig. Controller 2000 causes valve 100 to be rotatedto Position 8, wherein seventh selector port 170 of first family 109 isconnected to second selector port 270 of second family 209, and selectorport 260 of second family 209 is connected to eighth port 170 of firstfamily 109. Gas from tank 1070 at this stage will serve as the suctiongas for compressor 500, and eighth tank 1080 will receive the dischargeof compressor 500. Because tank 1080 is at a higher pressure than tank1070, check valve 1084 will prevent flow from tank 1080 to tank 1070.

Using both selector ports and check valve porting, Compressor 500utilizes the 2,650 psig gas of tank 1070 to compress into tank 1080.Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1070 drops toa seventh predefined tank set point lower pressure (SP7.1) which in thisembodiment can be 2,850 psig. However, it should be noted that SP7.1 ispredetermined such that it can be the most efficient pressure point,given the challenge system 10's compressor 500 to compressvarying-higher differential pressures. During this stage it is notedthat compressor 500 is hermetically sealed, and the rear of piston 560of compressor 500 sees the inlet pressure (i.e., the pressure of beingfed by tank 1070) and the discharge 520 sees the pressure in tank 1080.Accordingly, in this eighth stage when the pressure in tank 1070 dropsto SP7.1 the differential that compressor 500 is attempting to compressover is equal to the back pressure of tank 1080 less the pressure in thecurrent suction tank 1070.

The compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank 1070drops to SP7.1 at 2,850 psig. At this lower set point pressure, system10 proceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank1070 up to its predefined SP7. The system wave has a choice of whetherto make the immediately preceding staged tank in tank array as thesuction source for compressor 500 or go back to the initial suctionsource of external gas 16. In this embodiment, system 10 going back tomultiple steps to external source 16 is disclosed. System 10 nowproceeds back a step to gain additional moles of gas to refill tank 1070up to SP7, and initiates waves which repeat of steps comprising portionsof the steps disclosed in fill Stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Stage 1 WAVE

49. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1 (external source 16 suction/firsttank 1010 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from theexternal supply 16 at 0.5 psig flows through zero selector port 101 tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and is compressed into first stagedtank 1010. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 achieves SP1 at 150 psig at which point system 10 enters wave 2.

Stage 2 WAVE

50. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2 (first tank 1010 suction/secondtank 1020 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank firststaged 1010 of 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and into second staged tank 1020. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in first staged tank 1010 drops toSP1.1 of 100 psig.

51. Steps 49 and 50 are repeated 5 times, over a cumulative 2.5 hours

Stage 3 WAVE

52. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3 (second tank 1020 suction/thirdtank 1030 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1020at SP2 of 650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into third staged tank 1030. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in second staged tank 1020 drops toSP2.1 of 350 psig.

Stage 4 WAVE

53. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4 (third tank 1030 suction/fourthtank 1040 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1030at SP3 of 1,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fourth staged tank 1040. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in third staged tank 1030 drops toSP3.1 of 850 psig.

Stage 5 WAVE

54. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5 (fourth tank 1040 suction/fifthtank 1050 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1040at SP4 of 1,650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into fifth staged tank 1050. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fourth staged tank 1040 drops toSP4.1 of 1,350 psig.

Stage 6 WAVE

55. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6 (fifth tank 1050 suction/sixthtank 1060 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1050at SP5 of 2,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into sixth staged tank 1060. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in fifth staged tank 1050 drops toSP5.1 of 1,850 psig.

Stage 7 WAVE

56. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7 (sixth tank 1060 suction/seventhtank 1070 discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1060at SP6 of 2,650 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into seventh staged tank 1070. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in sixth staged tank 1060 drops toSP6.1 of 2,350 psig.

Stage 8 WAVE

57. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8 (seventh tank 1070 suction/eighthtank discharge) so that gas at ambient temperature from tank 1070 at SP7of 3,150 psig flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, iscompressed and discharged into eighth staged tank 1080. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in seventh staged tank 1070 drops toSP7.1 of 2,850 psig.

58. All steps above in Stage 8 are only accomplished once over a 2 hourperiod, for a process subtotal runtime of approximately 103 hours, andthis brings the pressure of tank 1080 up to 3650 psig, SP8. The single 8WAVE step is approximately 500 psig.

59. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and thenStage 7 WAVE processes in order to bring Stage 7 up from SP7.1 to SP7.

60. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and thenStage 6 WAVE processes in order to bring Stage 6 up from SP6.1 to SP6.

61. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1, 2, 3, 4 and then Stage 5WAVE processes in order to bring Stage 5 up from SP5.1 to SP5.

62. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1, 2, 3 and then Stage 4WAVE processes in order to bring Stage 4 up from SP4.1 to SP4.

63. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1, 2 and then Stage 3 WAVEprocesses in order to bring Stage 3 up from SP3.1 to SP3.

64. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1 and then Stage 2 WAVEprocesses in order to bring Stage 2 up from SP2.1 to SP2.

65. Valve 100 is rotated to accomplish Stage 1 replenishment process inorder to bring Stage 1 up from SP1.1 to SP1.

66. After a cumulative run-time of approximately 113 hours the entiresystem 10 is full and either ready for Off-loading or for additionalwork on the alternate embodiment of system 10, Compressor 500 isstopped, and valve 100 is rotated to the Null Position or Position 1.

In one embodiment, Position 9 can be defined as both ports 260 and 270as resting over blank seals. For practical reasons, it is usuallysufficient to park the suction over a blank port or the discharge over ablank port (Position 9 as shown in FIG. 1A). Position 9 can be used whencompressor 500 is actively filling vehicle car. Position 0 (not shown inFIG. 1A)=port 270 blanked off, Port 260 to port 101 is where system 10can normally rest after staged tank array 1000 is full. Position 9=Port270 to port 180 and port 260 blanked off is where system 10 preferablysits during an active compressor suction to vehicle 20. Position NULLwould be defined as both ports 260 and 270 blanked off but in practiceis not normally required. Instead, system 10 can normally use Position 0instead. Additionally, it is preferred that valve 100 not be operatedwhere it is moved from Position 9 to Position 1.

Overall System Off-Loading Process

This section will include a brief overview of using one embodiment ofsystem 10 in an Off-loading Process (filling a car tank or otherdevice/medium), by utilizing differential pressure transfers between twodevices coupled with the Work Adjusted Volumetric Efficient (WAVE)methodology for moving compressed gas through the Compressor 500.

The Off-load Process benefits from the higher stored pressures duringthe simple transfer phase (Offload Phase I) and is therefore moreefficiently able to then WAVE process move gas to the destinationtank(s) during the System 10 compression Offload phases II and IIIportion of the process. This in turn allows the System 10 RefreshProcess to therefore more quickly and efficiently replenish System 10.

FIGS. 47-54 depict typical System 10 System off-loading of gas todestination tank(s) and are described below as the System 10 Off-loadProcesses Phase I, II and III.

Example 1 Offloading to 100% Empty Destination Phase I

Off-Load Stage 1 Transfer

1. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1. Valve 524 is closed, and valves528 and 532 are opened. Gas at ambient temperature from tank 1010 atSP1, 150 psig, flows through first selector port 110 of first family 109to first selector port 260 of second family 209, through tee 53, and tothe vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas will either stop or continue toflow into the destination tank(s), series of tanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 2 Transfer

2. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1020 at SP2, 650 psig, flows through second selector port 120 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 3 Transfer

3. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1030 at SP3, 1,150 psig, flows through third selector port 130 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 4 Transfer

4. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1040 at SP4, 1650 psig, flows through fourth selector port 140 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 5 Transfer

5. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1050 at SP5, 2150 psig, flows through fifth selector port 150 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 6 Transfer

6. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1060 at SP6, 2650 psig, flows through sixth selector port 160 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 7 Transfer

7. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070 at SP7, 3150 psig, flows through seventh selector port 170 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s), series oftanks or other flow path.

If the flow of the gas stops then this either signifies the car'stank(s) is at a pressure greater than the supplying tank's gas pressure,or if the flow continues, the destination tank(s) still needs to comeinto a pressure equalization setting shared with the System 10 Systemsource tank. Once equalization has been achieved, system 10 will proceedto the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 8 Transfer

8. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1080 at SP8, 3650 psig, flows through eighth selector port 180 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and to the vehicle tank(s)/destination. The gas willeither stop or continue to flow into the destination tank(s).

If the flow of the gas stops then the process is complete. If the flowcontinues, the destination tank(s) still needs to come into a pressureequalization setting shared with the source tank. Once equalization hasbeen achieved, the Offload Phase I is complete. System 10 has nowcompleted Phase I of the Off-Load Process and is ready to perform theWAVE Off-load Phase II. In one embodiment a user can have the choice tocontinue or not continue with the process of WAVE offloads oroffloading.

Phase II

1. Valve 532 is closed.

2. Valve 524 and 528 are open.

3. The Compressor 500 is started.

Off-Load Stage 2 WAVE

4. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 at SP1.3 psig flows through port 110 of first family of ports109 to second port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, andto compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.

Compressor 500 which is still running further compresses the pressurizedpsig gas of tank 1010 discharge such gas into tank 1020. The compressorcontinues to run until the pressure in tank 1020 rises to beapproximately 500 psig higher than the falling pressure of tank 1010

Off-Load Stage 3 WAVE

5. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at below ambienttemperature from tank 1020, SP2.3, flows through port 120 of firstfamily of ports 109 to second port 270 of second family of ports 209, toinput 510, and to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running further compresses the pressurized gas of tank1020 and discharges such gas into tank 1030. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1030 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1020

Off-Load Stage 4 WAVE

6. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1030, SP3.3, flows through port 130 of first family of ports 109 tosecond port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the pressurized gas of tank 1030 anddischarges such gas into tank 1040. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1040 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1030.

Off-Load Stage 5 WAVE

7. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1040, SP4.3, flows through port 140 of first family of ports 109 tosecond port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the pressurize gas of tank 1040 anddischarges such gas into tank 1050. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1050 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1040.

Off-Load Stage 6 WAVE

8. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1050, SP5.3, flows through port 150 of first family of ports 109 tosecond port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the pressurized gas of tank 1050 anddischarges such gas into tank 1060. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1060 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1050.

Off-Load Stage 7 WAVE

9. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1060, SP6.3, flows through port 160 of first family of ports 109 tosecond port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the pressurized gas of tank 1060 anddischarges such gas into tank 1070. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1070 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1060.

Off-Load Stage 8 WAVE

10. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070, SP7.3, flows through port 170 of first family of ports 109 tosecond port 270 of second family of ports 209, to input 510, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the pressurized gas of tank 1070 anddischarges such gas into tank 1080. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1080 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1070.

Phase III

NOTE: The accomplishment of the above described Off-load Process PhaseII now has system 10 ready for utilization of compressor 500 to move gasfrom tank 1080 to the vehicle tank(s)/destination, with an additional500 delta pressure WAVE.

11. Valve 528 is closed, and valves 524 and 532 are opened.

12. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 9. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1080 flows through eighth port 180 of first family 109 to secondselector port 270 of second family 209, and to compressor 500 hermetichousing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running further compressesthe pressurized gas of tank 1080 and discharges such gas into thevehicle tank(s)/destination. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure of tank 1080 decreases to SP8.4 which equals the currentpressure of tank 1080 (SP8.3) minus 200 psi. Correspondingly, System 10is able to stop the process flow as based on known to the industrypractices of motor amperage draw, or other methods of predicting ormeasuring vehicle fill status.

13. The above series of Off-load Process WAVE Stages can be performedif, and as many times as needed, to the point where the allowableCompressor 500 limits have not been exceeded. The methodology forpredetermining the number of times to repeat the process is brieflydescribed further above. System 10 can be purposely sized such that theability to over pressurize the destination tank is not possible becausecompressor 500 can be uniquely sized, in conjunction with the tank setpoints to not have the ability to compress over a specific delta P.

14. This entire described Off-load Process, with only a single WAVE tookapproximately 13 minutes for a 100% depleted destination tank.

15. The compressor 500 can be stopped. Alternatively, the above Off-loadProcess, Phases II and III can be repeated as needed to accomplish theSystem 10's needs.

16. Valve 532 is closed, and valves 524 and 528 are opened.

Example 2 Offloading to 95% Full Destination Phase I

1. The Off-load Process needs to deliver a quantity of gas to thevehicle (exampled here as a destination tank of 100 L, arriving atapproximately 3420 psig).

2. Valve 524 is closed, and valves 528 and 532 are opened. System 10 bythe means previously discussed embodiment regarding an ability toreceive user interface, for this example, system 10 knows approximatelywhat the pressure of the destination tank is. Therefore, system 10 haschosen not to perform a WAVE from Tank 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050,1060, 1070 and 1080, and not to perform a reverse WAVE from Tank 1080,1070, 1060, 1050, 1040, 1030, 1020, and 1010. Instead, system 10 haschosen, in this example to start the Off-load Process at valve Position6, tank 1060.

3. System 10 rotates valve 100 to Position 6 (attempting to offload fromtank 1060) and no gas flows from system 10 because thevehicle/destination is at 3420 psig. which is greater than the pressurein tank 1060.

4. System 10 rotates valve 100 to Position 7 and no gas flowed fromsystem 10 because the vehicle/destination is at 3420 psig. which isgreater than the pressure in tank 1070.

Off-Load Stage 8 Transfer

5. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1080 at SP8, 3650 psig, flows through eighth selector port 180 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and towards to car tank(s)/destination. Once the flowrate virtually stops, the destination tank(s) will then be at a pressureequalization setting shared with the system 10 source tank. This isapproximately 3,490 psi (dependent on tank temperatures and other knownto the industry factors)

Phase II

System 10 by the means previously discussed with regards to its abilityto calculate the approximate need of the destination tank, hasdetermined that it only needs to perform an Off-load WAVE utilizing onlythe gas in tank 1080. An Off-load Process WAVE from any lower tank wasnot needed.

Phase III

6. Valve 532 is opened.

7. Valve 524 is opened and valve 528 is closed.

8. Compressor 500 is started.

9. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 9. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1080, which is in equilibrium pressure with the destination tank atapproximately 3,420 psi, SP8.3 flows through eighth selector port 180 offirst family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209, and tocompressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is stillrunning further compresses the SP8.3 gas of tank 1080, and dischargessuch compressed gas into the destination tank. Compressor 500 continuesto run until the pressure of tank 1080 decreases to SP8.2 which equalsthe initial pressure of tank 1080 (SP8.3) minus 350 psi. However, thesetting of SP8.2 to 350 psi less than SP8.3 could be varied due tosystem 10 status and sizing and temperatures. Correspondingly, system 10is also able to stop the process flow as based on known to the industrypractices of motor amperage draw, compressor delta P measurements, etc.

10. The destination tank is approximately at 3,600 psi and this entireOff-load process took approximately 0.5 minutes to accomplish for adestination tank that was 95% full.

11. Valve 532 is closed, and valves 524 and 528 are opened.

Example 3 Offloading to Two-Thirds Full Destination Phase I

1. The Off-load Process needs to deliver a quantity of gas to thevehicle (used and an example here as a destination tank of 100 L,arriving at approximately 2,400 psi. for a fill).

2. Valve 524 is closed, and valves 528 and 532 are opened.

Off-Load Stage 5 Transfer

3. Controller 2000 rotates valve 100 to Position 5 and no gas flows fromthe system 10 because the vehicle/destination tank 1050 is higher thanSP5 at 2,150 psi. System 10 is now ready to proceed to the next Stage.

Off-Load Stage 6 Transfer

4. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1060 at SP6 2,650 psig flows through sixth selector port 160of first family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and towards the either car tank(s) or other destination.The flow continues and the destination tank(s) come into a pressureequalization setting shared with the System 10 source tank atapproximately 2,400 psi. System 10 is now ready to proceed to the nextSystem 10 Stage

Off-Load Stage 7 Transfer

5. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1070 at SP7, 3150 psig, flows through seventh selector port170 of first family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and towards the either car tank(s) or other destination.The flow continues, the destination tank(s) come into a pressureequalization setting shared with the System 10 System source tank atapproximately 2,675 psi. System 10 is now ready to proceed to the nextStage.

Off-Load Stage 8 Transfer

6. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1080 at SP8, 3650 psig, flows through eighth selector port 180of first family 109 to first selector port 260 of second family 209,through tee 53, and towards the either car tank(s) or other destination.The flow rate continues, the destination tank(s) come into a pressureequalization setting shared with the System 10 System source tank atapproximately 2,950 psi. NOTE: System 10 has now completed Phase 1 ofthe Off-Load Process and is ready to perform the WAVE Off-load Phase II

Phase II

7. Valve 532 is closed.

8. Valve 524 is opened.

9. Compressor 500 is started. NOTE: In this example of Off-load ProcessWAVE methodology, system 10 has determined that the allowable delta Pbetween Stages 5 and 6 is such that the system can quickly and easilyattain a destination set point at approximately 3,250 psi and alerts theuser to choosing a quick fill or 3,200 psi in 1.0 minutes, or for acomplete fill to 3,600 psi within 15 minutes. For the purposes of thisexample the use has chosen to perform a complete fill to 3,600 psi.

Off-Load Stage 6 WAVE

10. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1050, SP5 at 2,150 psi, flows to compressor 500 hermetichousing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas oftank 1050 to compress into tank 1060. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1060 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1050 which is now at 2,000 psi.

Off-Load Stage 7 WAVE

11. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1060, SP6.3 at 2,480 psi flows to the Compressor 500 hermetichousing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas oftank 1060 to compress into tank 1070. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1070 rises to be approximately 500 psighigher than the falling pressure of tank 1060 which is now at 2,375 psi.

Off-Load Stage 8 WAVE

12. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070, SP7.3 at 2,810 psi, flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1070to compress into tank 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1080 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1070 which is now at 2,620 psi.

Phase III

NOTE: The accomplishment of the Off-load Process second phase now hassystem 10 ready for utilization of compressor 500 to move gas from tank1080 to the vehicle tank(s)/destination.

13. Valve 532 is opened, valve 524 is opened, valve 528 is closed, andcompressor 500 is started.

14. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 9. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1080 flows to the Compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.Compressor 500 which is still running compresses the pressurized gas oftank 1080 and discharges such gas into the vehicle tank(s)/destination.Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure of tank 1080decreases to SP8.2 which is approximately 200 psi less than the startingpressure. The destination tank is approximately at ambient temperatureand 3,200 psi. The user could have chosen to stop the process here buthas decided to continue until the vehicle/destination tank is full at3,600 psi.

15. Therefore, system 10 begins to perform 5 series of Off-load ProcessWAVE Phase II method steps as described previously from Tank 1010 toTanks 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070 and 1080.

Phase II (Second Time)

Off-Load Stage 2 WAVE

16. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 at SP1, 150 psig flows through port 110 to compressor 500hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes thegas of tank 1010 to compress into tank 1020. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1020 rises to be approximately 680 psiwhile SP1.3 becomes 138 psi.

Off-Load Stage 3 WAVE

17. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at below ambienttemperature from tank 1020, SP2.3 at 680 psi flows to compressor 500hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes thegas of tank 1020 to compress into tank 1030. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1030 rises to be approximately 1,185 psiand the falling pressure of tank 1020 is approximately 640 psi.

Off-Load Stage 4 WAVE

18. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1030, SP3.3 at 1,185 psi. flows to compressor 500 hermetichousing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas oftank 1030 to compress into tank 1040. Compressor 500 continues to rununtil the pressure in tank 1040 rises to be approximately 1,680 psi andthe falling pressure of tank 1030 is approximately 1,150 psi.

Off-Load Stage 5 WAVE

19. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperaturefrom tank 1040, SP4.3 at 1,680 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing504. The Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas of tank1040 to compress into tank 1050. Compressor 500 continues to run untilthe pressure in tank 1050 rises to be approximately 2,085 psi and thefalling pressure of tank 1040 is approximately 1,590 psi.

Off-Load Stage 6 WAVE

20. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas below ambienttemperature from tank 1050, SP5.3 at 2,085 psi flows to compressor 500hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes thegas of tank 1050 to compress into tank 1060. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1060 rises to be approximately 2,450 psiand the falling pressure of tank 1050 is approximately 1,985 psi.

Off-Load Stage 7 WAVE

21. The Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas below ambienttemperature from tank 1060, SP6.3 at 2,450 psi flows to compressor 500hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes thegas of tank 1060 to compress into tank 1070. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1070 rises to be approximately 2,720 psithe falling pressure of tank 1060 is approximately 2,380 psi.

Off-Load Stage 8 WAVE

22. The Valve 100 is rotated to position 8. Gas below ambienttemperature from tank 1070, SP7.3 at 2,720 psi. flows to compressor 500hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes thegas of tank 1070 to compress into tank 1080. Compressor 500 continues torun until the pressure in tank 1080 rises to be approximately 2,990 psiand the falling pressure of tank 1070 is approximately 2,485 psi.

Phase III (Second Time)

NOTE: This second accomplishment of the Off-load Process second phasenow has the system 10 ready for utilization of the Compressor 500 tomove gas from tank 1080 to the vehicle tank(s)/destination.

23. Valve 524 is closed, and valves 528 and 532 are opened.

24. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 9. Gas below ambient temperaturefrom tank 1080 at 2,990, which is not in equilibrium pressure with thedestination tank at approximately 3,295 psi, SP8.3 flows through eighthselector port 110 of first family 109 to first selector port 260 ofsecond family 209, and to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure of tank 1080decreases to SP8.3 which is approximately 200 psi less than the startingpressure, and the destination tank is approximately at 3,300 psi.

25. The above “Second” series of Off-load Process WAVE Stages, for thisexample, is repeated 4 more times. The pressure set points arecontinually readjusted as the process proceeds.

26. This entire Off-load Process, with the single (1) Off-load Transferstarting at Stage 6, single (1) Off-load Process WAVE starting at Stage5 and then five (5) each Off-load Process WAVE starting at Stage 2 tookapproximately 15 minutes for a ⅔rd full destination tank filling to3,500 psi.

27. Valve 532 is closed, and valves 524 and 528 are opened.

System Refresh Process Overview

This section will describe just a brief overview of the Refresh Process(refilling of staged storage tank array 10), using the Work AdjustedVolumetric Efficient (WAVE) methodology. Since the quantity of gas iscontrolled such that there is never a true desire to deplete the system,the remaining, post Offload Process Stage pressures are beneficial forthe Refresh Process' array 100 pressures ability to quickly and easilyrecover.

Example 4 Standard Wave, Option #5

This section will give the example of WAVE Option #5, shown in Figurenumber 55, where the Wave set point differences have been drasticallyreduced in magnitude along with smaller staging pressure changes. Ingeneral ambient temperature on average exists for all components(conservatively accepted to be 80 degrees F.). The source gas valve 17between the gas external supply (House gas) 16 is opened. Gas flowsthrough zero port 101 to the valve 100 and to compressor 500 throughport 270 into compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.

System Refresh Process Stage 1

1. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1. Gas at ambient temperature fromthe external source flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas of the externalsource to compress into tank 1010, targeting SP1. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in tank 1010 rises to SP1.

Refresh Stage 2 WAVE

2. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1010 to compress intotank 1020. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 drops to SP1.1 at 100 psig, or until SP2.2, which is set by system10 to be less than SP2 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 3 WAVE

3. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1020 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1020 to compress intotank 1030. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1020 drops to SP2.1 at 350 psig or until SP3.2, which is set by thesystem to be less than SP3 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 4 WAVE

4. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1030 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1030 to compress intotank 1040. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1030 drops to SP3.1 at 850 psig, or until SP4.2, which is set by thesystem to be less than SP4 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 5 WAVE

5. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1040 flows to the Compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor500 which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1040 to compressinto tank 1050. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1040 drops to SP4.1 at 1350 psig, or until SP5.2, which is set bythe system to be less than SP5 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 6 WAVE

6. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1050 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1050 to compress intotank 1060. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1050 drops to SP5.1 at 1850 psig, or until SP6.2, which is set by thesystem to be less than SP6 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 7 WAVE

7. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1060 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1060 to compress intotank 1070. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1060 drops to SP6.1 at 2350 psig, or until SP7.2, which is set by thesystem to be less than SP7 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

Refresh Stage 8 WAVE

8. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1070 to compress intotank 1080. Compressor continues to run until the pressure in tank 1070drops to SP7.1 at 2850 psig, or until SP8.2, which is set by the systemto be less than SP8 for a WAVE Option #5, is achieved.

9. All System Refresh Stage WAVE process steps above are performed 120times over a 48 hour period. Pressure of all tanks are back up to theirinitial set points SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7, and SP8.

Example 5 Reverse Wave, Option #3

The Off-load Process delivered a quantity of gas to the vehicle (examplehere shows a destination tank of 100 L, arriving for a fill atapproximately 3420 psi.). System 10 determines that the tank currentpressures and assigns new set points to those values that are no longerat their initially defined SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7, and SP8for the original fill described above. Since the pressure of tank 1080is approximately 3,175 psi which is below its SP8.1, a new SP8.3 isestablished and system 10 uses controller 2000 to operate motor torotate valve 100 to Position 7, and compressor 500 is started.

Refresh Stage 8 WAVE

5. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1070 to compress intotank 1080, targeting SP8. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1080 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1070. Tank 1080 is approximately at 3,390 psi,which is above SP8.2, and tank 1070 is approximately at 2,790 psi, whichis below SP7.1 and is now labeled SP7.3.

6. System 10 is now at a point where it knows the other tanks are attheir SP#.2, and it also recognizes that there is less than a 350 psidifferential between the current tank and the next lower tank. System 10therefore “backs down” through the tanks and performs a WAVE Option #3process to the next lower numbered tank.

Note: If the quantity of gas used from each lower tank was greater thana 350 psi differential due to the fact that the vehicle/destination tankhad a greater System 10 Offload Process demand, then the system coulddecide to return directly to Position 1 (Port 110) and begin performinga Fill Process WAVE as described above.

Refresh Stage 7 WAVE

10. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1060 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1060 to compress intotank 1070, targeting SP7. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1070 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1060. If SP7 is achieved then this RefreshStage 7 WAVE process is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage6 WAVE

Refresh Stage 6 WAVE

11. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1050 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1050 to compress intotank 1060, targeting SP6. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1060 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1050. If SP6 is achieved then this RefreshStage 6 WAVE process is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage5 WAVE.

Refresh Stage 5 WAVE

12. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1040 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1040 to compress intotank 1050, targeting SP5. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1050 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1040. If SP5 is achieved then this RefreshStage 5 WAVE process is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage4 WAVE.

Refresh Stage 4 WAVE

13. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1030 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1030 to compress intotank 1040, targeting SP4. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1040 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1030. If SP4 is achieved then this RefreshStage 4 WAVE process is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage3 WAVE.

Refresh Stage 3 WAVE

14. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1020 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1020 to compress intotank 1030, targeting SP3. Compressor 500 continues to run until thepressure in tank 1030 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than thefalling pressure of tank 1020. If SP3 is achieved then this RefreshStage 3 WAVE process is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage2 WAVE.

Refresh Stage 2 WAVE

15. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1010 to compress intotank 1020, targeting SP2. Compressor continues to run until the pressurein tank 1020 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than the fallingpressure of tank 1010. If SP2 is achieved then this Refresh Stage 2 WAVEprocess is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage 1.

16. System 10 reviews the system set points and determines if a FillProcess WAVE Option#2 is required. For this particular Off-load case toa 95% full vehicle or destination tank(s) the System 10 System needs toperform 5 each complete system Fill Process WAVE methods from Stage 1 toStage 8. Since staged storage tank array 1000 was only marginallydiminished from Stage 8, the time to complete this entire RefreshProcess will only be 2.2 hours

Example 6 WAVE Option #2 Process—System Refresh Stage 1 WAVE

17. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 1. Gas at ambient temperature fromthe external source flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504.Compressor 500 which is still running utilizes the gas of the externalsource to compress into tank 1010, targeting SP1. Compressor 500continues to run until the pressure in tank 1010 rises to SP1.

Refresh Stage 2 WAVE

18. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1010 to compress intotank 1020. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1010 drops to SP1.1 at 100 psig, or until SP2 is achieved.

Refresh Stage 3 WAVE

19. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1020 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1020 to compress intotank 1030. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1020 drops to SP2.1 at 350 psig or until SP3 is achieved.

Refresh Stage 4 WAVE

20. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 4. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1030 flows to the Compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor500 which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1030 to compressinto tank 1040. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1030 drops to SP3.1 at 850 psig, or until SP4 is achieved.

Refresh Stage 5 WAVE

21. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 5. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1040 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1040 to compress intotank 1050. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1040 drops to SP4.1 at 1350 psig, or until SP5 is achieved.

Refresh Stage 6 WAVE

22. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 6. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1050 flows to the Compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor500 which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1050 to compressinto tank 1060. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1050 drops to SP5.1 at 1850 psig, or until SP6 is achieved.

Refresh Stage 7 WAVE

23. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 7. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1060 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1060 to compress intotank 1070. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1060 drops to SP6.1 at 2350 psig, or until SP7 is achieved.

System Refresh Stage 8 WAVE

24. Valve 100 is rotated to Position 8. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1070 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504. Compressor 500which is still running utilizes the gas of tank 1070 to compress intotank 1080. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure in tank1070 drops to SP7.1 at 2850 psig, or until SP8 is achieved.

25. All system 10 Refresh Stage WAVE process steps above are performed 5times over a 2 hour period, for a process subtotal runtime ofapproximately 2.2 hours, and this brings the pressure of all tanks backup to their initial set points SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7, andSP8.

System Wave Direction Choices or Options

The above examples of System Fill Process, Off-load Process, and/orRefresh Processes can be accomplished via a multiplicity ofmethodologies. Below are described five possibilities.

WAVE Option Number 1—

Is a methodology that starts at the lower tank pressure value, such astank 1 (1010) and then pressurize into several lower pressured tankssimultaneously 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 . . . as described inthe method steps associated with the initial System Fill WAVE processfor system 10. That example starts by using gas from Tank 1 topressurize into Tanks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 simultaneously up to thepredefined pressurized set point pressure SP2 for staged Tank 2 ofstaged tank array 1000. Gas from tank 1010 at this stage will serve asthe suction gas for compressor 500, and second tank 1020 will receivethe discharge of compressor 500. Because check valves 1024, 1034, 1044,1054, 1064, 1074, and 1084 respectively fluidly connect in a one way(e.g., increasing) direction tanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and1080 to each other (tank 1030 to 1040, 1040 to 1050, 1050 to 1060, 1060to 1070, and 1070 to 1080) allowing higher pressure gas to flow fromlower numbered tanks to higher numbered tanks assuming that the minimumcheck valve activation pressure can be overcome) at this stage gas fromtank 1010, although primarily discharging to tank 1020 (through secondport 120), Compressor 500 discharge gas also indirectly flows also totanks 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1080. Because tank 1020 is at ahigher pressure than tank 1010, check valve 1024 will prevent flow fromtank 1020 to tank 1010. The system then proceeds to Tank 2 (1020) assuction for compressor 500 and discharges into Tanks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and8 etc. (where discharge is primarily directed to Tank 3 up to predefinedpressurized set point pressure SP3, but check valves 1034, 1044, 1054,1064, 1074, etc. allow higher pressure to bleed into the higher numberedtanks of staged tank array 1000. The next step would be to use Tank 3(1030) as suction for compressor 500 and discharges into Tanks 4, 5, 6,7, and 8. This upwardly staging process is performed until staged tankarray has the following upwardly staged set point pressures: Tank 1—SP1;Tank 2—SP2; Tank 3—SP3; Tank 4—SP4; Tank 5—SP5; Tank 6—SP6; Tank 7—SP7;and Tank 8—SP8. The 8 stage system in this example is ready for offload

WAVE Option Number 2—

Is a methodology that starts at a lower tank pressure value, such astank 1 and then proceeds to higher tanks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, etc., while only pressurizing into one upstream destination tank atone time. An example of this methodology is found in the method stepsfor the System Refresh Process II and III where gas from a lowerpressure tank is placed into the next higher tank, and then the systemproceeds to take that pressurized gas and compress it into only the nexthighest tank. This is different from the above WAVE Option #2 becausethe check valves are ineffective in pressurizing the subsequently higherstages. It involves having the valve 100 rotated to Position 1. Gas atambient temperature from the external source 16 flows to compressor 500hermetic housing 504, and compressor 500, which is still running,utilizes the gas of the external source 16 to compress into tank 1010,targeting SP1. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1010 rises to SP1. System 10 then proceeds to the next WAVE Stageand valve 100 is rotated to Position 2. Gas at ambient temperature fromtank 1010 flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and compressor500, which is still running, utilizes the gas of tank 1010 to compressinto tank 1020 until the pressure in tank 1010 drops to SP1.1 at 100psig, or until SP2 is achieved. System 10 then proceeds to the next WAVEStage and valve 100 is rotated to Position 3. The process continuesuntil through Stages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. For theexample used describing System Offload Phase III, Tank 8 gas is Stage 8compressor 500 pressurized up to the limiting differential pressureamount into the vehicle/destination tank.

Reverse WAVE Option Number 3—

Is a methodology that performs a Reverse WAVE where system 10pressurizes gas from the next lower tank up to the existing positionedtank, then repositions valve 100 to the next lower position andbacks-down the Stages while it is quickly replenishing more dense gas tothe top stages. The Refresh Process or Off-load Processes can employthis methodology for two special but not limiting cases: (1) allowingfor a quick refresh of the upper Stages in staged tank array 1000 forpotential immediate needs by a second vehicle or second destinationneed; and (2) translating higher density gas up the staged tank array1000 allows for few valve movement between stages during off-peak timesfor another System Fill Process WAVE. This example could start with gasat ambient temperature from tank 1060 flows to compressor 500 hermetichousing 504 and compressor 500 which is running utilizes the gas of tank1060 to compress into tank 1070, targeting SP7. Compressor 500 continuesto run until the pressure in tank 1070 rises to be approximately 500psig higher than the falling pressure of tank 1060. If SP7 is achievedthen this Refresh Stage 7 WAVE process is stopped and system 10 proceedsto Refresh Stage 6 WAVE where gas at ambient temperature from tank 1050flows to compressor 500 hermetic housing 504, and compressor 500, whichis running, utilizes the gas of tank 1050 to compress into tank 1060,targeting SP6. Compressor 500 continues to run until the pressure intank 1060 rises to be approximately 500 psig higher than the fallingpressure of tank 1050. If SP6 is achieved then this Refresh Stage 6 WAVEprocess is stopped and the system proceeds to Refresh Stage 5 WAVE,Stage 4 WAVE, Stage 3 WAVE, and Stage 2 WAVE but generally not toStage 1. The controller continues to perform Reverse WAVE processesuntil the upper Stages have met a controller predetermined stoppingpoint. Coupling this Process with the embodiment of FIG. 6 drasticallyreduces the System 10 Refresh times.

Mid WAVE Option Number 4—

Is a methodology that chooses to start and/or stop a given process atsome other determinable Stage in the pressurized staged tank array 1000.An example of this is described in the System Off-load Process for a 95%full vehicle fill where system 10 has determined the destination tank 22only needed gas from Stage 8 (or tank 1080) and system 10 decided toperform a System Off-load to destination tank 22 using only Tank 1080.In the Off-load Process for a vehicle 20 that is two thirds full, system10 determined to start the offloading process with Stage 4 (or tank 1040to destination tank 22) and then allow system 10 to find the actualStage from which pressurized staged tank array 1000 began offloadinggas, from the pressurized Stage to the destination tank. The systemcontinues Phase I transfers until all applicable stages are completed.Once vehicle 20 was filled by the Off-load Process Phase I methods,system 10 then determined it only needed to start the Off-load ProcessPhase II by utilizing an Off-load Process WAVE starting with Stage 6. Ifthe user is time-bound then the user could have chosen to complete thevehicle/destination Off-load Process after this initial 2 minutes ofPhase I, and thereby precluded waiting an additional 13 minutes for avehicle/destination more complete fill. The methodology exampledescribed in the two thirds full destination Off-load Process is onewhere the system decided it was best to perform a multiplicity ofProcess methodologies.

WAVE Option Number 5—

Is a methodology that raises Stage pressures at smaller differentialpressure increments. System 10 can increase an upper stage's pressure byusing smaller incremental differential steps than outlined in theinitial System Fill WAVE Option #1. It would use the same process andmethodology for establishing the second set of set points, and the sameprocessing methodology with regards to choosing other available WAVEOptions, just at lower differential pressure values. WAVE Options 1, 2,3 and 4 can each employ Option Number 5 if and as needed.

The versatility of these highly unique processes, in part or in total,acting as a method for using single stage compressor 500 with stagedtank array 1000 in simulating a multi-staged compressor gives the userthe abilities not previously afforded, to make choices with regards totime to wait, instantaneous choice of quantity of gas for a particularvehicle or destination tank fill or off-load, choice of quantity ofimmediately available gas for the immediate transfer to anothervehicle/destination, gives an ability to choose either a lengthy orreduced time-to-refresh the System, for the next system use while theuser's vehicle is no longer still interfaced/attached for lengthyperiods of time with the unit. Additionally, the drastically reducedcost (approximately ⅙^(th)) to create a system with these capabilitiesis in part due to the ability of the system to utilize a veryinexpensive single stage compressor to accomplish the same work outputof a much larger, far more mechanically and thermodynamicallyinefficient single or multi stage compressor that, due to its mechanicaland thermal inefficiencies has only one tenth the life span of theSystem 10 utilized unit.

Fill Capacity Determination of Destination Tank

There are various ways for controller 2000 of system 10 to determinedestination tank(s) 22 current state of pressurization charge, andsubsequently be able to calculate the destination's capacity need.System 10 can determine (by industry understood methods) what the Stagearray 1000 pressures are and therefore can predict System 10'scapability for a given destination need. Correspondingly, while System10 processes are being performed controller 2000 is continually usingenvironmental measurements, on-board system measurements andrecalculating a predicted fill status for tank(s) 22, and can, as neededassign new set points (SP1 becomes SP1.3, SP1.1 becomes SP1.2, etc.) soas to better estimate both run-time of the system to achieve a filledcondition, and to establish new sets of Stage target pressures that areoptimized for compressor 500. These new set points are then utilizedproportionally until the unit has completed the needed task. Thecontroller is then able to utilize the WAVE Stage Processes to returnSystem 1000 Stages back to their respective principle set-points (SP1,SP2, SP3 . . . ).

System 10, through use of controller 2000 and remote control panel 2100,is thereby able to alert the user as to when the projected System Fullstatus will be re-established, how much time it will take to complete acomplete filling of the destination tank etc. The system is thereby ableto real-time report the available system destination tank(s) fillingcapability, the amount available immediately or in the future for theuser at any given time between fill-ups. This functionality is usable bya host of applications such as PDA, cell phones, home or remotecomputers, fire alarm system companies, fire department notifications,maintenance systems or personnel, local and federal authorities, etc.

In addition to the system's ability to approximate, then measure andthen refine the destination tank's 22 needs, system 10 is also able toaccept direct user input as a more direct method of knowing the givenconditions:

There is a method of human interface to input to system 10 the userknown destination tank 22 size or volume.

There is the method of human interface to input to system 10 the userknown current destination tank 22 pressure.

There is the method of human interface to input to system 10 the userknown vehicle 20 type and year.

There is the method of human interface to input to system 10 whether theuser prefers to only perform a quick fill in less than a few minutes, orto proceed toward a complete fill lasting approximately 15 minutes.System 10 therefore then knows the potential capacity maximum needs forthe destination tank(s) 22 and is also able to jointly communicate backto the use the potential offload options available, the system 10 neededmaintenance, the system 10's current or historical health, etc.

As described in various embodiments, when system 10 performs an Off-loadProcess the pressure differences of gas from any given stage thenestablishes the destination tank(s)'s 22 minimum pressure startingstate. Additionally system 10 knows the unit's post operation currentarray 1000 pressures and can label then as SP1.3, SP2.3, SP3.3, SP4.3,etc. These are momentarily considered to be the new “High” set points,and establishes new “Low” set points SP1.2, SP2.2, SP3.2, etc. Thesystem then utilizes, via obvious to the industry methodologies to knowthe approximate needed quantity of gas for the destination, and thesystem is then able to decide how many WAVE Off-load Processes toaccomplish and to which options are to be utilized.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (Reference No.) (Description)  10 system  12inlet  14 outlet  15 housing  16 gaseous fuel supply  17 valve  18 checkvalve  20 vehicle  22 storage tank  40 separator/filter  42 valve  50cooling system  53 tee connection  100 valve assemby  101 port zero,where selector is in zero position  102 first opening of zero port  104conduit between openings  106 second opening zero port  109 first familyof ports  110 first port, where selector is in position 1  112 firstopening of first port  114 conduit between openings  116 second openingfirst port  117 angle  120 second port, where selector is in position 2 122 first opening of second port  124 conduit between openings  126second opening second port  127 angle  130 third port, where selector isin position 3  132 first opening of third port  134 conduit betweenopenings  136 second opening third port  137 angle  140 fourth port,where selector is in position 4  142 first opening of fourth port  144conduit between openings  146 second opening fourth port  147 angle  150fifth port, where selector is in position 5  152 first opening of fifthport  154 conduit between openings  156 second opening fifth port  157angle  160 sixth port, where selector is in position 6  162 firstopening of sixth port  164 conduit between openings  166 second openingsixth port  167 angle  170 seventh port, where selector is in position 7 172 first opening of seventh port  174 conduit between openings  176second opening seventh port  177 angle  180 eighth port, where selectoris in position 8  182 first opening of eighth port  184 conduit betweenopenings  186 second opening eights port  187′ angle  187″ angle  200body or selector rotor housing  204 plurality of openings  209 secondfamily of ports  210 top  212 bottom  213 bottom bonnet  214 outerperiphery  216 seal recess  220 selector recess  222 side wall ofselector recess  224 base of selector recess  240 trunnion recess  250relative rotational axis between body and selector  260 first conduit 262 first connector of first conduit  264 pathway between connectors 266 second connector of first conduit  270 second conduit  272 firstconnector of second conduit  274 pathway between connectors  276 secondconnector of second conduit  290 annular recess/cavity  300 portselector rotor  304 rotational axis  310 upper surface  314 rod  316arrow  320 lower surface  321 upper rod or shaft seal  322 lower rod orshaft seal  323 family isolating seal  324 trunnion  325 seal fortrunnion  330 outer periphery  340 spherical sealing surface  342 o-ringgroove  344 o-ring groove  346 o-ring groove  360 first conduit  362first connector of first conduit  364 pathway between connectors  366second connector of first conduit  370 second conduit  372 firstconnector of second conduit  374 pathway between connectors  376 secondconnector of second conduit  380 angle  390 cavity for second conduitselector  400 top porting manifold  404 plurality of openings  410 upper 412 lower  414 outer periphery  420 opening for rod of selector  430plurality of selector porting  450 plurality of check valve porting  500gas compressor  504 body  506 interior  510 input or suction line forcompressor  512 check valve for input to compressor  520 output ordischarge line for compressor  521 output from filter separator  522output valve  524 valve  528 valve  529 line  532 valve to vehicle fill 540 motor  550 cylinder  560 piston  570 chamber  572 input  573 checkvalve for input to compression chamber  574 output  575 check valve fordischarge from compression chamber 1000 storage tank array 1010 tank 11013 valve for tank 1 1014 check valve (zero port to tank 1) andnormally used in dual compression system (e.g., FIG. 6) 1015 check valveport first end 1016 check valve port second end 1020 tank 2 1023 valvefor tank 2 1024 check valve (tank 1 to tank 2) 1025 check valve portfirst end 1026 check valve port second end 1027 shutoff valve 1030 tank3 1033 valve for tank 3 1034 check valve (tank 2 to tank 3) 1035 checkvalve port first end 1036 check valve port second end 1040 tank 4 1043valve for tank 4 1044 check valve (tank 3 to tank 4) 1045 check valveport first end 1046 check valve port second end 1050 tank 5 1053 valvefor tank 5 1054 check valve (tank 4 to tank 5) 1055 check valve portfirst end 1056 check valve port second end 1060 tank 6 1063 valve fortank 6 1064 check valve (tank 5 to tank 6) 1065 check valve port firstend 1066 check valve port second end 1070 tank 7 1073 valve for tank 71074 check valve (tank 6 to tank 7) 1075 check valve port first end 1076check valve port second end 1080 tank 8 1083 valve for tank 8 1084 checkvalve (tank 7 to tank 8) 1085 check valve port first end 1086 checkvalve port second end 1200 arrow 1210 arrow 1220 arrow 1230 arrow 1240arrow 1250 arrow 1260 arrow 1270 arrow 1300 high pressure connector/seal1310 threaded connection 1320 flexible connector 1330 flared metal tube1340 cavity 1400 valve 1410 valve 2000 controller 2100 remote controlpanel 5000 compressor (which operates as a pre-compressor) 5100compressor output tank (can also operate as a oil/liquid recovery systemfor pre-compressor)

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A method of filling a tank with compressed gaseous fuel, comprisingthe steps of: (a) providing an array of tanks comprising a first tank,second tank, third tank, and fourth tank, and a compressor fluidlyconnected to the array; (b) taking a first quantity of gas from thefirst tank where the first Tank is at a first Tank first pressure,compressing it with the compressor and discharging the first quantity ofcompressed gas to the second in the array, and continuing this stepuntil the first tank pressure drops to a first Tank second pressurewhere the difference between the first Tank first pressure and the firstTank second pressure is less than a predefined first Tank pressure drop;(c) taking a second quantity of gas from the second Tank where thesecond Tank is at a second Tank first pressure, compressing it with thecompressor and discharging the second quantity of compressed gas to thethird tank, and continuing this step until the second tank pressuredrops to a second Tank second pressure where the difference between thesecond Tank first pressure and the second Tank second pressure is lessthan a predefined second Tank pressure drop; (d) taking a third quantityof gas from the third tank where the third tank is at a third Tank firstpressure, compressing it with the compressor and discharging the thirdquantity of compressed gas to the fourth tank, and continuing this stepuntil the third tank pressure drops to a third Tank second pressurewhere the difference between the third Tank first pressure and the thirdTank second pressure is less than a predefined third Tank pressure drop;and (e) dispensing compressed gas from at least two tanks of the arrayto a vehicle storage tank.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a”a fifth tank is provided, and between steps “d” and “e” is performed theadditional step of taking a fourth quantity of gas from the fourth tankwhere the fourth tank is at a fourth Tank first pressure, compressing itwith the compressor and discharging the fourth quantity of compressedgas to the fifth tank, and continuing this step until the fourth tankpressure drops to a fourth Tank second pressure where the differencebetween the fourth Tank first pressure and the fourth Tank secondpressure is less than a predefined fourth Tank pressure drop.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein in step “a” a sixth tank is provided, andafter the step described in said claim, and before step “e” is performedthe additional step of taking a fifth quantity of gas from the fifthtank where the fifth Tank is at a fifth Tank first pressure, compressingit with the compressor and discharging the fifth quantity of compressedgas to the sixth tank, and continuing this step until the fifth tankpressure drops to a fifth Tank second pressure where the differencebetween the fifth Tank first pressure and the fifth Tank second pressureis less than a predefined fifth Tank pressure drop.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein in step “a” a seventh tank is provided, and after thestep described in claim, and before step “e” is performed the additionalstep of taking a sixth quantity of gas from the sixth tank where thesixth tank is at a sixth Tank first pressure, compressing it with thecompressor and discharging the sixth quantity of compressed gas to aseventh tank, and continuing this step until the sixth tank pressuredrops to a sixth Tank second pressure where the difference between thesixth Tank first pressure and the sixth Tank second pressure is lessthan a predefined sixth Tank pressure drop.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein in step “a” an eighth tank is provided, and after the stepdescribed in said claim, and before step “e” is performed the additionalstep of taking a seventh quantity of gas from the seventh tank where theseventh tank is at a seventh Tank first pressure, compressing it withthe compressor and discharging the seventh quantity of compressed gas tothe eighth tank, and continuing this step until the seventh tankpressure drops to a seventh Tank second pressure where the differencebetween the seventh Tank first pressure and the seventh Tank secondpressure is less than a predefined seventh Tank pressure drop. 6-9.(canceled)
 10. The method of claim 5, wherein an intermediate one wayvalve 1 to 2 valve fluidly connects tank 1 to tank 2, wherein when thepressure of tank 1 becomes higher than the pressure of tank 2 by anamount exceeding the tripping pressure of the intermediate one way valve1 to 2, gas is allowed to flow from tank 1 to tank
 2. 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein an intermediate one way valve 2 to 3 fluidly connectstank 2 to tank 3, wherein when the pressure of tank 2 becomes higherthan the pressure of tank 3 by an amount exceeding the tripping pressureof the intermediate one way valve 2 to 3, gas is allowed to flow fromtank 2 to tank
 3. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein an intermediateone way valve 3 to 4 fluidly connects tank 3 to tank 4, wherein when thepressure of tank 3 becomes higher than the pressure of tank 4 by anamount exceeding the tripping pressure of the intermediate one way valve3 to 4, gas is allowed to flow from tank 3 to tank
 4. 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein an intermediate one way valve 4 to 5 fluidly connectstank 4 to tank 5, wherein when the pressure of tank 4 becomes higherthan the pressure of tank 5 by an amount exceeding the tripping pressureof the intermediate one way valve 4 to 5, gas is allowed to flow fromtank 4 to tank
 5. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein an intermediateone way valve 5 to 6 fluidly connects tank 5 to tank 6, wherein when thepressure of tank 5 becomes higher than the pressure of tank 5 by anamount exceeding the tripping pressure of the intermediate one way valve5 to 6, gas is allowed to flow from tank 5 to tank
 6. 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein an intermediate one way valve 6 to 7 fluidly connectstank 6 to tank 7, wherein when the pressure of tank 6 becomes higherthan the pressure of tank 7 by an amount exceeding the tripping pressureof the intermediate one way valve 6 to 7, gas is allowed to flow fromtank 6 to tank
 7. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein an intermediateone way valve 6 to 7 fluidly connects tank 6 to tank 7, wherein when thepressure of tank 6 becomes higher than the pressure of tank 7 by anamount exceeding the tripping pressure of the intermediate one way valve6 to 7, gas is allowed to flow from tank 6 to tank
 7. 17-24. (canceled)25. A sequential process for delivering compressed natural gas to agas-containing apparatus, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a firstgas storage bank and a second gas storage bank, a third gas storagebank, a fourth gas storage bank, a fifth gas storage bank, a sixth gasstorage bank, a seventh gas storage bank, an eighth gas storage bank, agas compressor, and a controller which is selectively operativelyconnected to each of the gas storage banks; (b) measuring the gaspressure in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, andeighth gas storage banks; (c) sequentially delivering gas from thefirst, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth storagebanks by delivering gas only from the first gas storage bank to thegas-containing apparatus until the gas pressure in the first gas storagebank has decreased to a first predetermined low level, and thereafterdelivering gas only from the second gas storage bank to thegas-containing apparatus until the gas pressure in the second gasstorage bank has decreased to a second predetermined low level which ishigher than the first predetermined low level, and thereafter deliveringgas only from the third gas storage bank to the gas-containing apparatusuntil the gas pressure in the third gas storage bank has decreased to athird predetermined low level which is higher than the secondpredetermined low level, and thereafter delivering gas only from thefourth gas storage bank to the gas-containing apparatus until the gaspressure in the fourth gas storage bank has decreased to a fourthpredetermined low level which is higher than the third predetermined lowlevel, and thereafter delivering gas only from the fifth gas storagebank to the gas-containing apparatus until the gas pressure in the fifthgas storage bank has decreased to a fifth predetermined low level whichis higher than the fourth predetermined low level, and thereafterdelivering gas only from the sixth gas storage bank to thegas-containing apparatus until the gas pressure in the sixth gas storagebank has decreased to a sixth predetermined low level which is higherthan the fifth predetermined low level, and thereafter delivering gasonly from the seventh gas storage bank to the gas-containing apparatusuntil the gas pressure in the seventh gas storage bank has decreased toa seventh predetermined low level which is higher than the sixthpredetermined low level, and thereafter delivering gas only from theeighth gas storage bank to the gas-containing apparatus until the gaspressure in the eighth gas storage bank has decreased to an eighthpredetermined low level which is higher than the seventh predeterminedlow level; and (d) taking a quantity of gas from any one of the firstthrough seventh gas storage banks and compressing the quantity of gaswith the compressor and discharging such compressed gas to one of thehigher numbered gas storage banks, and continuing this step until thehigher numbered tank is replenished by gas previously compressed withgas obtained from lowered numbered gas storage banks.
 26. A selectorvalve having a selector along with first and second families of ports,wherein each family of ports have a plurality of selector ports, andwherein in a first selector position for the selector a plurality of theselector ports from the first family can be fluidly connected in two wayfluid directions to a plurality of selector ports from the secondfamily, and in a second selector position for the selector a differentplurality of ports from the first family can be fluidly connected in twoway directions to the same plurality of ports from the second family.27. The selector valve of claim 26, wherein the valve includes a bodyand the selector is rotatively connected to the body.
 28. The selectorvalve of claim 27, wherein the selector includes a trunnion whichrotatively connects the selector in the body.
 29. The selector valve ofclaim 26, wherein a plurality of selector ports in the first family areconnected in a one way direction by a plurality of check valves.
 30. Theselector valve of claim 26, wherein rotation of the selector causes theswitching in connection between first and second selector positions. 31.The selector valve of claim 26, wherein the first family of selectorports includes at least six selector ports and the second family ofselector ports includes at least two selector ports.
 32. The selectorvalve of claim 27, wherein the selector ports in the first family have afirst family angular spacing and the selector ports of the second familyhave a second family angular spacing and the first family angularlyspacing is a non zero integer multiple of the second family angularspacing.
 33. (canceled)